Summary of Thomas Jefferson’s Original Draft of the Declaration of Independence
Drafting and Committee
In June 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee of five—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman—to draft the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson, selected for his writing prowess, produced the “rough draught” by June 28, 1776, articulating the colonies’ right to independence based on natural law, listing grievances against King George III, and including a passage condemning the slave trade.
Key Elements of Jefferson’s Draft
Jefferson’s draft opened with a preamble asserting universal rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” rooted in Enlightenment principles. It detailed grievances such as taxation without consent and military oppression, and notably included a passage accusing the king of perpetuating the slave trade, violating “sacred rights of life & liberty.” It also criticized the British people for complicity in colonial oppression.
Edits and Alterations
The committee and Congress made 86 changes during debates from July 2-4, 1776:
- Slave Trade Passage Removed: A section condemning the king for the slave trade was deleted to secure southern colonies’ support.
- Softened Language: Criticism of the British people was moderated to focus blame on the king, avoiding diplomatic offense.
- Preamble Adjusted: Phrases like “advance from that subordination” became “dissolve the political bands” for a less confrontational tone.
- Title Changed: The document became “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America” to emphasize unity.
Reasoning Behind Changes
The edits aimed to ensure colonial unity and diplomatic caution. Removing the slave trade passage appeased southern states reliant on slavery, while softening anti-British rhetoric left room for potential reconciliation. These compromises prioritized political consensus over ideological purity, reflecting the diverse interests of the colonies.
Future Implications for the Nation
The Declaration’s final text established equality and natural rights as American ideals, influencing the Constitution and Bill of Rights. However, omitting the slave trade passage highlighted the contradiction between proclaimed equality and slavery, fueling future conflicts like the Civil War. The drafting process underscored compromise as a cornerstone of American governance, shaping political debates over states’ rights and federal authority. Jefferson’s vision, though altered, cemented his legacy as a proponent of universal rights, despite the nation’s early moral inconsistencies.
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