The Declaration of Independence "America, land of the free, home of the brave," that is a statement that we all have grown up with and truly believe, but why do we, our parents, our grandparents and those before them believe it to be so? In looking at the history of the colonial period of the United States it is clear to see where such ideas come from. The Mayflower Compact, The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, The Massachusetts Body of Liberties, and the Declaration of Independence although written to serve different purposes are the genesis of what we as Americans call our values and rights.