On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson's draft Declaration of Independence was formally submitted to the Continental Congress after being revised by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. This historic moment not only marked a crucial development in the American Revolution, but also laid an important foundation for the future development of the United States.
The Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Oil painting circa 1783
In the 18th century, the North American colonies were deeply oppressed by the British, and the colonists were dissatisfied with the British government's repressive rule and heavy taxation policy. In 1775, armed conflict broke out in the thirteen colonies of North America, kicking off the American Revolutionary War. Against the backdrop of war, the leaders of the colonies gradually realized that true freedom and independence could only be achieved by completely freeing themselves from British control.
Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, was a major contributor to the Declaration of Independence
In June 1776, the Second Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia, and an important topic of discussion was whether to declare independence. Thomas Jefferson, one of the leading figures of the Independence faction, was entrusted with drafting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. In his drafting process, Jefferson absorbed the essence of Enlightenment thought, emphasizing the ideas of human rights, freedom, and equality.
Jefferson's first draft was completed and submitted to the Independent Drafting Committee of the Continental Congress. Committee members Benjamin Franklin and John Adams carefully reviewed and revised the first draft. Both Franklin and Adams were prominent statesmen of their time, and they proposed important revisions to the first draft that would make the Declaration of Independence more polished and refined.
Benjamin franklin
On June 28, 1776, a revised draft declaration of independence was submitted to the Continental Congress. The declaration clearly pointed out the legitimacy and necessity of the North American colonies to secede from Britain, condemned the tyranny of King George III of Great Britain, and proclaimed the determination of the American people to pursue freedom, equality, and independence. The famous phrase in the declaration, "All men are created equal," has become an important cornerstone of democratic thinking in the United States and around the world.
The submission of the Declaration of Independence was hotly debated at the Continental Congress. Many delegates expressed support for the content of the Declaration as a powerful document expressing the aspirations of the colonial peoples. However, there were also some delegates who expressed reservations about the declaration, fearing that the declaration of independence would lead to greater war and chaos. After many heated debates and compromises, the conference finally decided to vote on the Declaration of Independence on 4 July.
John Adams was the second President of the United States
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, which also became the American Independence Day, which will be remembered forever by the world. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence not only marked the independence of the United States from British colonial rule, but also laid the ideological foundation for the development of the United States after the founding of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence has had a profound impact on world history, and it is not only the programmatic document of the American Revolutionary War, but also a source of inspiration for many countries to fight for independence and democracy. The concept of "all men are created equal" put forward in the declaration has inspired countless people to strive for freedom and equality, and has provided a powerful ideological weapon for democratic movements around the world.
John Durenbar's famous painting is often misunderstood as a group portrait of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, but it was actually presented to the Assembly by a group of five
Thomas Jefferson, the main drafter of the Declaration of Independence, played a key role in shaping the Declaration of Independence through his ideas and writing. Jefferson was deeply influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment, and the ideas of freedom, equality, and human rights expressed in his manifesto became the foundation of American democracy.
Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, co-revisers of the Declaration of Independence, made important contributions to its refinement through their wisdom and experience. Franklin, with his profound insight and diplomatic skills, helped revise the wording of the declaration to make it more persuasive. Adams, for his part, laid the foundation for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with his firm independent stance and eloquent ability.
U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1823 original facsimile
The submission of the draft U.S. Declaration of Independence on June 28, 1776, was an important milestone in American history. This event not only proclaimed the determination of the American people to pursue freedom and independence, but also provided a valuable ideological resource for democratic movements around the world. The combined efforts of Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams made the Declaration of Independence a timeless classic, inspiring generations to fight for freedom, equality, and human rights.
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