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The Declaration of Independence wasn’t really complaining about King George, and 5 other surprising facts
By Woody Holton Professor of History, University of South Carolina and The Conversa at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 4, 2026
· 1 min read
Americans may think they know a lot about the Declaration of Independence, but many of those ideas are elitist and wrong, as historian Woody Holton explains.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The reexamination of the Declaration of Independence by historian Woody Holton has significant implications for El Paso 's own understanding of its history and cultural identity. As a city with a rich and diverse heritage, El Pasoans may find it interesting to note that the traditional narrative surrounding the Declaration of Independence is being challenged. This new perspective can encourage local residents to think critically about the stories they tell about their own city's past, including the role of Spanish and Mexican influences, the impact of the Mexican-American War, and the experiences of indigenous communities. By questioning dominant narratives, El Pasoans can gain a more nuanced understanding of their city's complex history and its place within the broader context of American history. This, in turn, can foster a more informed and engaged community, better equipped to appreciate and celebrate its unique cultural heritage.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Americans may think they know a lot about the Declaration of Independence, but many of those ideas are elitist and wrong, as historian Woody Holton explains.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Woody Holton Professor of History, University of South Carolina and The Conversa at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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