Drafting the Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first adopted by representatives from 13 original colonies from Georgia to New Hampshire. The drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence has become the defining moment of the American Revolution. It is the most important document in American history and Thomas Jefferson, the man who drafted the Declaration, has become the most important icon in American History.
A meeting was held in the Pennsylvania State House, in Philadelphia. This meeting place became known as the Independence Hall. Men carried copies of the Declaration on horseback up and down the coast from Portsmouth and Boston to Charleston and Savannah. In Philadelphia, it was written on parchment and signed by 56 delegates. The declaration of Independence announced to the world that the former 13 British colonies in North America were now free and independent from the rule of King George III. They choose to defend their freedom at all cost, risking their fortune as well as their lives. They fought for the right for all men in all countries to be free from tyranny.
George Mason and Thomas Ludwell Lee drafted The Virginia Declaration of Rights and it was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette on June 12. It is obvious that Jefferson had read Mason’s draft and molded it into his own style in writing the Declaration of Independence. Here are Mason’s famous written words: "That all Men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent natural rights, of which they cannot by any Compact, deprive or divest their Posterity; among which are the Enjoyment of Life and Liberty, with the Means of acquiring and possessing Property, and pursuing and obtaining Happiness and Safety. That Power is, by God and Nature, vested in, and consequently deprived from the People; that Magistrates are their Trustees and Servants, and at all times amenable to them. That Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common Benefit and Security of the People, Nation, or Community. Of all the various Modes and Forms of Government, that is best, which is capable of producing the greatest Degree of Happiness and Safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of mal-administration. And that whenever any Government shall be found inadequate, or contrary to these Purposes, an inalienable and indefeasible Right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such Manner as shall be judged most conducive to the Public Weal. "
Many of Jefferson’s ideas and phrases originally by John Locke, Algernon Sidney, and Henry Home, Lord Kames. It is questionable is whether he turned to these men for advice when he was drafting the Declaration of Independence or composed it from his own detailed recollection of their work. Jefferson said that he turned “to neither book nor pamphlet” while writing the Declaration. Dispite different view points, Jefferson is the only author of the Declaration.
Many of Jefferson’s ideas and phrases originally by John Locke, Algernon Sidney, and Henry Home, Lord Kames. It is questionable is whether he turned to these men for advice when he was drafting the Declaration of Independence or composed it from his own detailed recollection of their work. Jefferson said that he turned “to neither book nor pamphlet” while writing the Declaration. Dispite different view points, Jefferson is the only author of the Declaration.