The document then goes on to list a series of charges that denounce British rule of the American colonies. In the context of the
Declaration of Independence, what does the author mean by “candid world”? What effect does this word choice have on the rhetoric as well as the intended audience of the text?
The target audience—the remainder of the world's nations—is referred to by the phrase "candid world" by the author.
<h3>Why British rule of American colonies?</h3>
Although each colony had its own government, the British king maintained power over them. Many colonists were irate by the 1770s because they lacked self-government. This implied that they were unable to rule themselves and establish their own rules. The king demanded that they pay enormous taxes.
The word "candid" in this context denotes honesty or sincerity. In order for the audience to understand the reasoning behind the list of arguments given in the paper, the author used the word candid to make an appeal to their morals or honesty. The author may have anticipated the audience's honest and true response by characterizing them as such.
