Introduction
The Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone of American history, encapsulating the ideals of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. Drafted in 1776, this monumental document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, is often quoted for its powerful assertion, "All men are created equal..." But as we delve deeper into its creation, we uncover complex truths about its authors and the fundamental paradox of liberty intertwined with slavery in early America.
Background of the Declaration
The Road to Independence
In June of 1776, tensions between American colonies and British rule had escalated. The Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to discuss independence, fueled by events such as the shots fired at Lexington and Concord. On July 2, Congress passed the resolution for independence, and two days later, the Declaration was adopted.
- Key Events Leading to the Declaration:
- Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)
- Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia (May 1775 - July 1776)
- Resolution for Independence approved (July 2, 1776)
- Adoption of the Declaration (July 4, 1776)
Who Wrote the Declaration?
While Thomas Jefferson is credited as the principal author of the Declaration, he was part of a committee of five, which included:
- Robert Livingston
- Roger Sherman
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Adams
Adams played a crucial role in selecting Jefferson due to his literary skills and representation from Virginia, a pivotal state.
The Making of the Declaration
Jefferson's Writing Process
Jefferson crafted the Declaration with inspiration from previous political writings, incorporating ideas from influential figures. Though he made it his own, many passages were adaptations of existing documents. The creation process included:
- Drafting by Jefferson
- Review and suggestions by Franklin and Adams
- Revisions made by Congress
Key Revisions and Omissions
The final version of the Declaration underwent significant scrutiny and edits from Congress. Notably, the poignant discussion around George III’s role in the slave trade was deleted, a controversial decision reflecting the complexities of slavery in American society.
- Why the Omission?
- Avoiding contentious issues was seen as necessary to unify the colonies.
- Many founding fathers, while advocating for liberty, were also slave owners.
The Paradox of Liberty and Slavery
Founding Ideals vs. Reality
The contradiction inherent in the Declaration’s assertion of equality and the acceptance of slavery is a profound issue that has haunted American history. Key points include:
- Founding fathers espoused liberty while owning slaves.
- The ideal of equality was not extended to enslaved individuals.
A Legacy of Inconsistency
- The exclusions and contradictions set the stage for continued social struggle, ultimately leading to the Civil War.
- The unanswered questions from 1776 resonate in discussions about race and equality today.
Conclusion
The Declaration of Independence remains a vital document symbolizing freedom and equality. However, its context reveals an uncomfortable truth about the founders' complicity in slavery. The omission of critical references to slavery sparks reflection on America's journey toward genuine freedom for all. Understanding the Declaration's complexities allows us to appreciate its significance while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for equality in the United States.
As we celebrate July 4th, it is crucial to reflect on the full narrative of our nation’s history, recognizing both our ideals and our contradictions. The spirit of the Declaration continues to inspire discussions on civil rights and liberties for all Americans.
"All men are created equal and they are endowed with the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Not so fast, Mr. Jefferson! These words from the Declaration of Independence, and the facts behind them, are well known.
In June of 1776, a little more than a year after the war against England began with the shots fired at Lexington and Concord,
the Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia to discuss American independence. After long debates, a resolution of independence
was approved on July 2, 1776. America was free! And men like John Adams thought we would celebrate that date forever.
But it was two days later that the gentlemen in Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence, largely written by Thomas Jefferson,
offering all the reasons why the country should be free. More than 235 years later, we celebrate that day as America's birthday.
But there are some pieces of the story you may not know. First of all, Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for writing the Declaration,
but five men had been given the job to come up with a document explaining why America should be independent:
Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and
John Adams were all named first. And it was Adams who suggested that the young, and little known, Thomas Jefferson join them
because they needed a man from the influential Virginia Delegation, and Adams thought Jefferson was a much better writer than he was. Second, though Jefferson never used footnotes,
or credited his sources, some of his memorable words and phrases were borrowed from other writers and slightly tweaked.
Then, Franklin and Adams offered a few suggestions. But the most important change came after the Declaration was turned over to the full Congress.
For two days, a very unhappy Thomas Jefferson sat and fumed while his words were picked over. In the end, the Congress made a few, minor word changes,
and one big deletion. In the long list of charges that Jefferson made against the King of England,
the author of the Declaration had included the idea that George the Third was responsible for the slave trade, and was preventing America from ending slavery.
That was not only untrue, but Congress wanted no mention of slavery in the nation's founding document.
The reference was cut out before the Declaration was approved and sent to the printer. But it leaves open the hard question:
How could the men, who were about to sign a document, celebrating liberty and equality,
accept a system in which some people owned others? It is a question that would eventually bring the nation to civil war
and one we can still ask today.
Heads up!
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