What did Thomas Jefferson declare in the Declaration of Independence? This pivotal document, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the birth of the United States of America. Jefferson, as the primary author, crafted a powerful and influential statement that outlined the fundamental principles upon which the nation would be built. His declarations were not only a bold assertion of independence from British rule but also a profound statement of human rights and the nature of government.
Jefferson began the Declaration with a sweeping assertion of the natural rights of all individuals: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This opening sentence has become one of the most famous in American history, encapsulating the core belief that every person has an inherent right to life, freedom, and the opportunity to seek happiness.
The Declaration went on to list the grievances against King George III, detailing the oppressive actions of the British monarchy that led to the colonies’ decision to break away. Jefferson’s declarations were not merely a list of complaints but a call to arms for the people of the colonies to unite and fight for their rights. He wrote, “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good,” and “He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.”
One of the most significant declarations in the document was the assertion that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” This statement fundamentally changed the way the world viewed government, shifting the power from the monarchy to the people. Jefferson’s words emphasized the idea that governments exist to serve the people and that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that does not serve their interests.
Furthermore, Jefferson declared that “whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” This declaration laid the groundwork for the American Revolution and inspired countless revolutions around the world.
In conclusion, what Thomas Jefferson declared in the Declaration of Independence was a profound and revolutionary statement of human rights, government, and the right of the people to self-determination. His words not only led to the creation of the United States but also influenced the course of history, inspiring the fight for freedom and justice across the globe.
