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Declaration Book Club
A three-part reading and discussion tool kit designed for learners of all ages to delve into the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence.
Reading the Declaration
Reading the Declaration
Just about every American knows that Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence set the wheels in motion for what would become the United States. But far fewer are familiar with the document’s details beyond its famous preamble. To help remedy that, John Ragosta, a historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, explains some of the finer points of one of history’s most important documents.
Highlighting the Declaration
What Was Jefferson Saying?
Jefferson began the Declaration by noting that Americans were “one people” despite what many thought were insurmountable differences of ethnicity, religion, geography and class.
Preamble
This may be the most famous line, and perhaps the most important, in our history: “all men are created equal.” For almost 250 years, America has been striving to realize the totality of those words.
Indictment of George III
Once it became clear that the king would not support his American subjects against the Parliament, refusing even to hear the Continental Congress’ petitions, Jefferson denounced the king himself.
Denunciation of the British
Jefferson’s draft also denounced “our British brethren.” The final Declaration noted that “they too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity.”
Resolution of Independence
With those words, "free and independent," only one path was left for the struggling new nation — the path of independence.
Signatures
After the 13 former colonies approved the Declaration, the Continental Congress ordered that it be “fairly engrossed on parchment.”
List of Grievances
Jefferson indicted Britain for violating the rights of Americans, freeborn Englishmen. In the end, the attack on slavery was removed from the final draft to ensure unanimity among the southern states.
Highlighting the Declaration
What Was Jefferson Saying?
Jefferson began the Declaration by noting that Americans were “one people” despite what many thought were insurmountable differences of ethnicity, religion, geography and class.
Preamble
This may be the most famous line, and perhaps the most important, in our history: “all men are created equal.” For almost 250 years, America has been striving to realize the totality of those words.
Indictment of George III
Once it became clear that the king would not support his American subjects against the Parliament, refusing even to hear the Continental Congress’ petitions, Jefferson denounced the king himself.
Denunciation of the British
Jefferson’s draft also denounced “our British brethren.” The final Declaration noted that “they too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity.”
Resolution of Independence
With those words, "free and independent," only one path was left for the struggling new nation — the path of independence.
Signatures
After the 13 former colonies approved the Declaration, the Continental Congress ordered that it be “fairly engrossed on parchment.”
List of Grievances
Jefferson indicted Britain for violating the rights of Americans, freeborn Englishmen. In the end, the attack on slavery was removed from the final draft to ensure unanimity among the southern states.
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The Declaration of Independence