ClassX Video Lessons What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence – Kenneth C. Davis
The Declaration of Independence is a famous document that includes the powerful words, “All men are created equal and are endowed with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But there’s more to the story than just these well-known phrases. Let’s dive into some interesting facts about how this important document came to be.
In June 1776, the American colonies were in the middle of a war with England, which had started the previous year with battles at Lexington and Concord. The Continental Congress, a group of representatives from the colonies, gathered in Philadelphia to discuss breaking away from British rule. After much debate, they agreed on a resolution for independence on July 2, 1776. John Adams, one of the leaders, thought this date would be celebrated forever. However, it was on July 4, 1776, that Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, which explained why the colonies wanted to be free. This is why we celebrate July 4th as America’s birthday.
While Thomas Jefferson is often credited with writing the Declaration, he wasn’t working alone. A group of five men was chosen to draft the document: Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. Adams suggested Jefferson join the team because he was a skilled writer and represented Virginia, an important colony. Jefferson wrote most of the document, but Franklin and Adams gave him some advice and suggestions.
Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration didn’t include footnotes or credits, but he did borrow ideas and phrases from other writers. After he presented his draft to Congress, they spent two days reviewing it. Jefferson watched as his words were discussed and changed. Most changes were small, but one major part was removed. Jefferson had blamed King George III for the slave trade and claimed he was stopping America from ending slavery. This wasn’t true, and Congress didn’t want to mention slavery in the Declaration, so they took it out before approving the document.
One big question remains: How could the men who signed a document about freedom and equality accept a system where some people owned others? This contradiction would eventually lead to the American Civil War and is something we still think about today.
The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol of the American fight for freedom and the complex history that shaped the nation. Understanding its story helps us appreciate the challenges and triumphs of the past.
Research the key events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Create a timeline that includes at least five major events, starting with the battles at Lexington and Concord and ending with the adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Use images and brief descriptions to make your timeline visually engaging.
With your classmates, reenact the debates of the Continental Congress. Assign roles such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Discuss the pros and cons of declaring independence and try to reach a consensus, just like the original Congress did.
Imagine you are part of a group seeking independence from an unjust ruler. Write a short declaration that outlines your reasons for wanting freedom. Use persuasive language and include at least three key points, similar to the original Declaration of Independence.
Choose one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and research their life and contributions. Create a short presentation or poster that highlights their role in the American Revolution and any interesting facts about their life.
Discuss the contradiction of advocating for freedom while allowing slavery. Divide into groups and debate whether the signers could have done more to address this issue. Consider the historical context and the challenges they faced at the time.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided transcript:
“All men are created equal and are endowed with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words from the Declaration of Independence and the context 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! Men like John Adams thought we would celebrate that date forever. However, it was two days later that the gentlemen in Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence, largely written by Thomas Jefferson, outlining 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 aspects of the story you may not know. First, while Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration, five men were tasked with creating a document explaining why America should be independent: Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were all named first. It was Adams who suggested that the young and relatively unknown Thomas Jefferson join them, as they needed representation from the influential Virginia delegation, and Adams believed Jefferson was a better writer.
Second, although Jefferson did not use footnotes or credit his sources, some of his memorable words and phrases were borrowed from other writers and slightly modified. Franklin and Adams also offered a few suggestions. However, the most significant changes occurred after the Declaration was presented to the full Congress. For two days, a frustrated Thomas Jefferson sat while his words were scrutinized. In the end, Congress made a few minor word changes and one major deletion.
In the long list of grievances that Jefferson made against the King of England, he included the idea that King George III was responsible for the slave trade and was preventing America from ending slavery. This claim was not only inaccurate, but Congress also wanted to avoid any mention of slavery in the nation’s founding document. The reference was removed before the Declaration was approved and sent to the printer.
This raises a challenging 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 lead the nation to civil war and one we can still reflect on today.
Declaration – A formal statement or announcement, often made by a government or leader, about a significant issue or decision. – The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the American colonies’ decision to separate from British rule.
Independence – The state of being free from control or support by another country or organization. – The American Revolution was fought to gain independence from British rule.
Colonies – Territories that are controlled and governed by a foreign power. – The thirteen American colonies were originally under British control before they sought independence.
Congress – A formal meeting or assembly of representatives for discussion and decision-making, often related to government or politics. – The Continental Congress was a group of delegates from the American colonies who met to discuss their response to British policies.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint. – The Bill of Rights was added to the U.S. Constitution to ensure the freedom of speech and religion for all citizens.
Equality – The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. – The Civil Rights Movement fought for equality for all Americans, regardless of race.
Slavery – The practice of owning people as property and forcing them to work without pay. – Slavery was a major issue that divided the United States and led to the Civil War.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events have shaped the world today.
America – A term often used to refer to the United States of America, a country in North America. – America declared its independence from Britain in 1776, becoming a new nation.
Civil War – A war between citizens of the same country. – The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states and the Southern states over issues including states’ rights and slavery.
