Declaration of Independence | Thomas Jefferson

 

Plot summary

 

A world-famous document that declares American independence from England.

 

Author and Date

 

o                   The greatest American? Rated with Washington and Lincoln

o                   Major mover in Revolutionary era

o                   6’2”, thin, reddish hair, hazel eyes

o                   as president, greeted morning visitors in worn coat and slippers

o                   Mass of contradictions continually fascinates

o                   One of ten children

o                   Father was a surveyor

o                   Older sister Jane teaches him to read and to love music

o                   Went to William and Mary College at age 16

o                   Fluent in Latin and Greek and could ride, hunt, and dance well

o                   Becomes member of Virginia House of Burgesses

o                   He is a Virginia Delegate to the Second Contintental Congress in 1775 at age 33

o                   Committee is formed in June 1776 to draft a declaration of Independence

à Truth is that England had been at war with Colonies for 13 or 14 months, since Lexington and Concord in April 1775 (or even since Boston Massacre of 1770)

o                   With exception of tinkering by Franklin and John Adams, D of I is Jefferson’s work alone

o                   His great contribution to American political theory:

 

This day will be the most memorable in the history of America; to be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival, commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

 

 

 

 

 

One of members of commission was Jean Yarbrough, Professor of Political Science at Bowdoin College

                                                                                                                            

 

Historical background                                                                                        

 

 

See notes for Patrick Henry

 

Themes/Observations

 

- The notion of “self-evident” truths

- What case does he make for revolution/separation?

- What points does he make in the text?

- What statements in the D of I would appeal to the French?

- How well have we as Americans lived up to the ideals of the D of I?

- How does Jefferson’s faith (or lack thereof) come through in the D of I?

 

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