Synopsis of the Original Draft of the Declaration of Independence
Context: The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the formal separation of the thirteen American colonies from British rule. However, the document we know today is not exactly as Thomas Jefferson first penned it. Here, we explore Jefferson’s original draft to understand the initial thoughts behind this revolutionary document.
Drafting the Declaration:
- Authorship: Thomas Jefferson was tasked with drafting the Declaration, although the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Jefferson’s draft was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, particularly John Locke’s concepts of natural rights.
- Structure:
- Preamble: Jefferson introduces the necessity of the separation by stating that when one form of government becomes destructive, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.
- Statement of Human Rights: This section, which became much of the preamble in the final document, asserts that all men are endowed with unalienable rights including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
- List of Grievances: Jefferson listed a comprehensive set of grievances against King George III, illustrating the reasons for the colonies’ decision to declare independence. This list was slightly edited in the final version but remains a core element.
- Failed Attempts at Redress: He notes the colonies’ repeated attempts to seek redress from the British Crown, which were met with further injury.
- Independence Declared: The draft declares the colonies’ right to be independent states, free from British control.
Notable Differences from Final Version:
- Slavery Clause: Perhaps the most significant alteration was the removal of Jefferson’s passage criticizing the slave trade. This clause blamed the King for the continuation of slavery in America, which caused contention among Southern delegates who relied on slavery economically. The clause was omitted to ensure unity among the colonies.
- Criticism of British People: Jefferson’s original draft included stronger language against the British people for their perceived apathy or approval of the Crown’s actions. This was softened in the final document to focus the blame solely on the King and Parliament.
- Simplifications: The final version streamlined some of Jefferson’s more verbose expressions for clarity and impact, aiming to make the document universally understandable and less confrontational.
Educational Significance:
- Philosophical Foundation: The draft highlights the philosophical underpinnings of American independence, rooted in Enlightenment thought, particularly the concept of natural rights.
- Process of Compromise: The changes between the draft and final document underscore the political and practical compromises necessary for coalition-building in revolutionary times.
- Reflection of Ideals vs. Reality: The removal of the slavery clause serves as a poignant reflection on the ideals versus the economic realities of the time, providing a critical lesson in how ideological purity often clashes with practical politics.
- Evolution of Documents: It educates on how foundational documents evolve through committee work, negotiation, and the need for consensus.
Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence is a testament to the ideals of liberty and equality that fueled the American Revolution. Understanding its differences from the adopted version provides insight into the founding fathers’ vision for America, the challenges they faced in articulating that vision, and the compromises they made in pursuit of a united front against British rule. This draft remains a crucial study for anyone interested in American constitutional law, political philosophy, and the mechanics of nation-building.
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