What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis

Summary

The script delves into the creation of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the contributions of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. It reveals the initial reluctance to include Jefferson's accusation of King George III's role in the slave trade, which was ultimately removed. The summary questions the paradox of fighting for liberty while maintaining a system of slavery, a contradiction that later led to the Civil War.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Declaration of Independence is a well-known document stating that 'all men are created equal' with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• ⏳ The Continental Congress approved the resolution of independence on July 2, 1776, and adopted the Declaration two days later.
• 🎉 July 4th is celebrated as America's Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
• 👤 Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration, but he was one of five men tasked with drafting it, including Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.
• 📝 Jefferson's writing was influenced by other writers, and some of his phrases were borrowed and slightly modified.
• 🤝 Benjamin Franklin and John Adams provided suggestions to improve Jefferson's draft.
• 🔍 The full Congress made minor word changes and one significant deletion from Jefferson's original draft.
• ❌ A charge against King George III regarding the slave trade was removed from the Declaration as it was deemed untrue and inappropriate for the founding document.
• 🤔 The script raises the question of how the founding fathers could advocate for liberty and equality while also supporting a system of slavery.
• 🔥 The issue of slavery would later lead to the American Civil War and remains a topic of discussion and reflection today.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in June 1776?

In June 1776, the Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia to discuss American independence.

When was the resolution of independence approved?

The resolution of independence was approved on July 2, 1776.

Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence.

Why was Thomas Jefferson chosen to join the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson was chosen to join the committee because they needed a man from the influential Virginia Delegation, and John Adams believed Jefferson was a better writer.

Which other notable figures were initially part of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence?

Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were the other members of the committee tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence.

What was one of the significant changes made to Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence?

One significant change was the deletion of a section that accused King George III of being responsible for the slave trade and preventing America from ending slavery.

Why was the reference to slavery removed from the Declaration of Independence?

The reference to slavery was removed because it was not only untrue, but Congress also wanted no mention of slavery in the nation's founding document.

What is the significance of the phrase 'All men are created equal' in the context of the Declaration of Independence?

The phrase 'All men are created equal' signifies the belief in the inherent equality and the natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, despite the fact that the institution of slavery existed at the time.

How did Thomas Jefferson feel about the changes made to his draft by the Continental Congress?

Thomas Jefferson was very unhappy and fumed as his words were picked over by the Continental Congress during the review process.

What is the historical irony presented by the fact that the Declaration of Independence, a document celebrating liberty and equality, was signed by men who owned slaves?

The historical irony lies in the contradiction between the principles of liberty and equality espoused in the Declaration and the reality of slavery, which was a system where some people owned others, including by some of the signatories.

What lasting question does the script raise about the founding of America?

The script raises the question of how the founding fathers, who were about to sign a document celebrating liberty and equality, could accept a system in which some people owned others.