Artifact Analysis: Primary and Secondary Sources
Source #1
Source: The Declaration of Independence 1776 – Written by Thomas Jefferson
Artifact Analysis: Primary and Secondary Sources
Source #2
On June 7, 1776, Richard Lee Henry introduced a resolution to Congress that declared the
thirteen colonies “free and independent states.” Congress did not act on the resolution right
away. A vote was set for early July. A committee of five, including Benjamin Franklin, John
Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, was selected to choose the careful wording of the Declaration of
Independence.
The document would join the patriot cause. Sympathetic (caring) Britain citizens would read
this and urge the British government to hold back on controlling the colonies. Foreign countries
would read this and aid the Colonist militia (army). It was important that the text was
convincing for this to happen. The five writers believed that Jefferson was the most talented
writer.
The Declaration of Independence is divided into three main parts. The first explains the
objective of the Declaration. Jefferson’s words still echo through American life today. Phrases
such as “All men are created equal, “ “unalienable rights,” and “life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness” have bounced from the lips of Americans from grammar school all the way to
retired citizens.
The second section is a list of grievances; that is, why the colonies thought independence from
Britain was appropriate. King George was guilty of repeated injuries that intended to establish
an “Absolute Tyranny” in North America. He has “plundered our seas, burned our towns, and
destroyed the lives of American citizens.” It was difficult for Americans to argue against these
points.
The third and final section was a paragraph which officially ends ties with Britain. It also shows
the readers today the courage of each delegate who signed the Declaration of Independence.
These delegates were officially guilty of treason and would hang in the gallows if taken before
the British court.
Debate in Congress followed. Jefferson watched painfully as the other delegates changed his
document. Jefferson had wanted to include a passage which blamed the king from trading
slaves. Finally, on July 4, 1776, the colonies approved the document. The vote was twelve to
zero, with the New York delegation not voting. As president of the Congress, John Hancock
signed the bottom of the document and history was made. If the American effort was
successful, they would all be heroes. If it failed, they would be hanged as traitors.
Source: Benjamin Doune 1998