One audience for the Declaration of Independence was the American colonists. In the document, Jefferson lays out the argument for forming a new nation. He lists the goals of the new government—this will be a government that will safeguard the people's natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
They had to fear upon drought. because it was too hot & there was no water to evaporate for it to rain.
Everyone that is below the established level of what can be called “Elite” is what the Proles are, in '1984'. The proletariat, by definition, is someone who works to survive. Therefore, anyone who has to work, to earn a living and survive, is Prole.