"Die Tugenden an den Tag gelegt, die wir wollten" from

“Virtues we Intended”

The Pre-Drafting Stage of the Declaration of Independence

On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a Committee of Five to draft a Declaration of Independence to explain why the thirteen American colonies were separating from Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston served on this committee. Jefferson penned the initial draft because of his excellent writing skills and political beliefs. He began crafting the document in mid-June in Philadelphia.

Jefferson’s Approach

Jefferson was a strong advocate for individual liberty and limited government. He believed the Declaration should explain how the British government had violated the colonists’ rights and outline their right to self-determination. Jefferson’s draft reflected his commitment to Enlightenment principles. He organized the Declaration into three primary sections: a preamble, a body, and a conclusion. * **The Preamble** introduced the Declaration's main themes and established the purpose of the document. Jefferson stated that all men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. * **The Body** listed twenty-seven specific grievances against the British government. Jefferson accused the British of violating the colonists' rights through taxation without representation, quartering soldiers, and depriving them of trial by jury. * **The Conclusion** declared the colonies' independence and asserted their right to form a new government. Jefferson wrote, "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America...solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

Editing and Revision

Jefferson's draft was then circulated to the other members of the Committee of Five for review and editing. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin proposed several changes, which Jefferson considered. The committee debated various aspects of the Declaration, including the language used, the specific grievances included, and the overall tone of the document. After several revisions, the committee presented their final draft to the Continental Congress on June 28, 1776. The Congress debated the Declaration for several days, making further revisions. The final version of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.

Legacy of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence has been hailed as one of the most important documents in American history. It eloquently and forcefully articulated the principles of liberty and self-determination that would shape the United States for generations to come. It has inspired countless people around the world to fight for their own freedom and rights. Sources: * https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/declaration-of-independence * https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript * https://www.britannica.com/event/Declaration-of-Independence