Insight into Jefferson’s Thoughts: Exploring the Original Draft of the Declaration of Independence

The original draft of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence

blamed the British for the presence of slavery in America.

The original draft of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence is a rough, handwritten document that he penned in June 1776. The document was eventually revised and edited by the Committee of Five, which included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, before it was presented to the Continental Congress and ultimately ratified on July 4, 1776.

The original draft is significant because it provides insight into Jefferson’s original thoughts and ideas about the document that would become one of the most important artifacts of American history. Some notable features of the original draft include:

1. Strong language condemning the institution of slavery, which was later removed in the final version due to objections from southern states.

2. A lengthy list of grievances against King George III and the British government, emphasizing the colonists’ desire for independence and self-governance.

3. An emphasis on natural rights, including the rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” which became a cornerstone of American political theory.

4. A call for the colonies to unite and form a single nation, outlining the principles and ideals that would later inspire the American Revolution and the formation of the United States of America.

Overall, the original draft of the Declaration of Independence provides valuable insight into the beliefs and motivations of some of the key figures in American history, and serves as a primary source document for understanding the origins and development of the United States.

More Answers: