All Men Are Created By Thomas Jefferson - 2254 Words

All Men are created â€Å"equalish† In the late eighteenth century, Thomas Jefferson penned one of the most well-known documents in the history of the United States, The Declaration of Independence. Officially completed and signed in 1776, this document is one of the foundations that America builds its rich history on today. Jefferson borrowed English political philosopher John Locke’s philosophy when he wrote the line, â€Å"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.† Many Americans today still base theories of American Exceptionalism on this idea of liberty and equality for â€Å"all men†, but a look back at United States history show that political and social policy hasn’t always reflect this sentiment. The main problem with the statement is the vague phrase â€Å"all men†. One needs to be able to define that phrase and the standards of humanity themselves to understand the history and policies of human rights in America. In early America, standards of humanity were based on religious standards adapted from John Locke’s writing molded to fit societal hierarchy by Jefferson and the founding fathers in their vision of the country. African Americans worked hard to fight the hypocrisy of these claims, but it would take more than a century for changes to be made for the good of â€Å"all men†. In this paper, I will work to find theShow MoreRelatedThe Enlightenment Theory Of John Locke1627 Words   |  7 Pageschange government, economic and social ideals. Thomas Jefferson borrowed liberally from the enlightenment theory from John Locke, specifically focusing on Locks theories of the equality of men, natural rights, and that people should have a say on how the government treated people. Jefferson created a draft document created a bold experiment, America. The enlightenment philosophy of John Locke theorized that that men were inherently equal, and Jefferson sought to prove this point. In the seventeenthRead MoreInterview Of John Hope Franklin On Thomas Jefferson908 Words   |  4 PagesInterview of John Hope Franklin on Thomas Jefferson The thing that draws us to Thomas Jefferson is his knowledge of the way things were and where things needed to go. In declaring he was the author of the Declaration of Independence gives us something we can trust. The two â€Å"all men are created equal† and the fact that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves are irreconcilable. Granted that he is forgiven in the sense that he is human and not much else. His level of understanding and the commitment he gaveRead MoreShould Americans Focus On Slavery868 Words   |  4 PagesPaul Finkelman discussed their thoughts on the topic of slavery. Both historians will focus on Thomas Jefferson, and what he believed in. Even today, citizens question whether the United States should bring slavery back. All men are created equal(Jefferson 256). Wilson wonders why Jefferson was being hypocritical. How was Jefferson being a hypocrite? According to Wilson s research, Thomas Jefferson had many slaves working for him. Maybe it was easier to get many tasks accomplished with owningRead MoreThe Declaration, Facts And Emotions909 Words   |  4 Pages The Declaration of Independence, as time has proven, is one of the most successful arguments ever made by any-one entity for the right of mankind to be free from oppression and tyranny, and that all men are created equal in the eyes of their creator, with certain fundamental rights. Thomas Jefferson, its author, emotionally plead to the British government the reasons that the United States of America was absolving its allegiance to the British crown and becoming free and independent states. Read MoreThomas Jefferson And His Influence On American History967 Words   |  4 PagesThere are many great men in American history, whose influences impacted our early society so much that they are credited with the title of a founding father. One of whom, had much direct impact on our early American societies. Thomas Jefferson, an early American founding father, is credited to have had much influence on what shaped our early American society, and what would go on to eventually become the bases of our modern American way of life. â€Å"Jefferson is best known as the leading classicalRead MoreThomas Jefferson And Emancipation Reform1382 Words   |  6 PagesThomas Jefferson Emancipation Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are our natural rights as citizens of the United States of America. Our founding fathers instilled those rights in our Declaration of Independence, so we all could enjoy our freedom of life and pursue anything that brought us happiness. But who is we? Thomas Jefferson, the author of those famous words wanted a society of freedom, but it didn’t apply to everyone in the new founded union. Thomas Jefferson viewed the AfricanRead MoreEssay Thomas Jefferson and Slavery994 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Jefferson is a man who really needs no introduction. He was recognized as a luminous writer who was appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence. Congress formally approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Jefferson owned many slaves that worked for him. He would often even sell his slaves to buy others. Why then would he write in the Declaration of Independence, â€Å"all men are created equal†? Is it possible t hat Thomas Jefferson was a hypocrite and only wrote what theRead MoreThe Inspiration of the Declaration of Independence1203 Words   |  5 Pagesfounding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, to create such an important document in our American history. To really understand what influenced Thomas Jefferson, we must understand some of the men who inspired him when creating this document. Its also important for us to understand the philosophies these men went by, and why Thomas Jefferson wanted incorporate their philosophies in his grand ideas. We also need to understand what was happening at the time when the Declaration was written. These are all questionsRead MoreJohn Locke s Theory Of Government884 Words   |  4 Pages This essay will discuss and show how Thomas Jefferson’s theory of revolution follows the speculation of government from the philosopher John Locke. We’ll additionally discuss Thomas Hobbes’s theory of government. Both John Locke and Jeffersonâ€⠄¢s theories contributed to the American Revolution and to the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson’s theory of revolution found within the Declaration of Independence follows John Locke’s theory of government in multiple aspects, as well as inRead MoreImportance Of The Declaration Of Independence707 Words   |  3 Pagesto help them withdraw from the British. The first draft was of Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and then edit by Franklin and Adams and on July 4 the Declaration had been officially adopted by Committee of Five. In the draft Thomas Jefferson was trying to break connections with the harsh and non-democratic rule of the British and begin a new, equal society for the all colonies. The Declaration of Independence was very important when it was written because of opposing sides