One of Thomas Jefferson’s most important legacies
was the Declaration of Independence. In June of 1776 John
Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, appointed the Committee of Five
to write a declaration of America’s independence. The Committee of Five included
Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, John Adams of
Massachusetts, Robert Livingston of New York and Roger Sherman of Connecticut (Parker).
John Adams told Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Adams said “You are the best person… the only person… to write our declaration of independence. I urge you to accept.” Thomas Jefferson asked “what can be your reasons?” (Parker). John Adams said “One, you are a Virginian and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Two, I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. Three, you can write ten times better than I can” (Heilman).
After the Committee of Five recessed, Jefferson returned to his apartment and started drafting the Declaration of Independence (Parker). Jefferson finished writing the draft of the Declaration of Independence in 17 days. He then passed it to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who made slight changes. On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted (Ching). We celebrate Independence Day every July 4th.
John Adams told Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Adams said “You are the best person… the only person… to write our declaration of independence. I urge you to accept.” Thomas Jefferson asked “what can be your reasons?” (Parker). John Adams said “One, you are a Virginian and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Two, I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. Three, you can write ten times better than I can” (Heilman).
After the Committee of Five recessed, Jefferson returned to his apartment and started drafting the Declaration of Independence (Parker). Jefferson finished writing the draft of the Declaration of Independence in 17 days. He then passed it to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, who made slight changes. On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted (Ching). We celebrate Independence Day every July 4th.
The Declaration of
Independence was necessary to explain to the world why the colonies were
separating from England and help make the United States of America equal with
other countries (Ching). The Declaration of
Independence was significant because:
- The Declaration of Independence was the
birth certificate of the United States of America.
- The 13 colonies did not want to be
under British rule. The Declaration of Independence declared the colonies
Independence from England.
- The Declaration of Independence combined
all 13 independent colonies into the United States of America.
- The Declaration of Independence created
the new name for the country.
- The Declaration of Independence
inspired many declarations of independence around the world, granting liberty
to millions of people around the world who wanted freedom and the right to
govern themselves.
- The Declaration of Independence was the
inspiration for civil rights to African-Americans and equal rights to women (Parker).