Exploring the Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

Prologue

On September 30, 1941, a private meeting took place at a Washington art gallery. Among the attendees was Thomas Jefferson’s great-great-grandson, who joined six other men. Their mission: select quotes from Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, for the memorial under construction at the Tidal Basin.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Commission inevitably delved into the Declaration’s most renowned phrase, “All men are created equal.” A segregationist in the group proposed excluding this phrase, arguing Jefferson perceived White people as superior to Black and Native American individuals.

Jefferson’s descendant, Jefferson Randolph Kean, agreed, stating that the Declaration’s author and signers spoke for British subjects, not others like Native Americans or African Americans.

“I would say that I entirely agree with him that the author and signers of the Declaration did not have in mind Indians or Negroes, or other persons than the British subjects for which they had the right to speak,” said Kean.

Despite this acknowledgment, the commissioners decided to keep Jefferson’s famous phrase to avoid embarrassment. They added doctored quotes portraying Jefferson as an antislavery leader, omitting his history of enslaving over 600 individuals.

Since Jefferson penned the Declaration, the intent behind “all men are created equal” remains hotly debated. The phrase has inspired 120 nations to adopt democratic versions, known as a global spark for democracy. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln elevated the Declaration’s status amid debates over slavery.

The Declaration did exclude enslaved individuals and Native Americans, a compromise to appease southern states. As the nation approaches the Declaration’s 250th anniversary next year, its meaning and motivations remain intensely relevant. Former President Donald Trump has addressed criticisms of the nation’s founding and race relations history, advocating honoring the “valiant and successful effort to shake off the curse of slavery.”

Revolutionary Revelations

The Washington Post investigates Jefferson’s role in the Declaration, its world-changing impact, the paradox of enslavement, and the editing of words at the Jefferson Memorial.

Jefferson is not the sole author of liberty, nor solely responsible for the Declaration. The actions of many founders contributed to its creation, yet Jefferson became history’s focal point. His contradictory legacy and words prompt each generation to reevaluate him.

Through archival documents, expert interviews, and research, Jefferson’s actions are traced from Monticello to Williamsburg, Philadelphia, and the Blue Ridge area where he hid from the British.

The contradiction between Jefferson’s slave-holding and his “all men are created equal” phrase is still unaddressed at the Jefferson Memorial. The omission symbolizes the difficulty of confronting the paradox of America’s foundation.

A series of revelations uncovers how Jefferson’s great-great-grandson secretly edited quotes to depict Jefferson as an abolitionist, omitting his enslavement endeavors. This documentation emerged from confidential minutes stored in personal archives.

This investigation isn’t a comprehensive biography. Instead, it examines Jefferson’s complexities and offers broader understanding of his actions regarding human liberty and the founding achievements.

Jefferson’s motivations during the revolution were mixed and contradictory. He championed rising against an elite while advocating American elites replace British ones. He supported armed struggle, but fled in panic when the British approached. Jefferson embraced Enlightenment rights movements but prioritized commercial interests over principles.

Significantly, Jefferson repeatedly dismissed appeals to use his authorship for the abolitionist cause.

Chapter One

In summer 1774, news of British actions against Boston reached Virginia. Jefferson retreated to Monticello and authored a document that could have deterred the revolution.

Jefferson initially favored ties with London, seeing the British government as the best form. He warned King George III that unless Parliament’s power was curbed, rebellion could ensue. Writing to the monarch, he requested steps to avert catastrophe.

Jefferson’s 23-page tract criticized Parliament, alleging systematic enslavement plans. Shelby-bound, he headed for Williamsburg, joining legislators to discuss reactions to British actions in Massachusetts.

The tract proposed abolishing slavery, suggesting banning African slave imports. A measure standing no real chance amid Britain’s involvement in the global slave trade.

Jefferson’s radicalization continued, supported by friends and fellow revolutionaries, but initially his stance was cautious.

Jefferson’s escalating complaints against London ranged from trade stranglehold to taxation without representation, leading to his revolutionary shift.

A series of private legislative meetings intensified this shift, culminating in resolutions leading to the Continental Congress and eventual drafting of the Declaration.

The Path to Revolution

Jefferson’s evolving radicalism manifested through various channels. A tract authored at Monticello foreshadowed his Declaration contributions. The tract critiqued British policies and royal authority.

Jefferson further embraced rebellion after interaction with Italian immigrant Philip Mazzei. Mazzei suggested armed revolt as Britain’s policies remained unchanged. Jefferson agreed to Mazzei’s letter publishing with anonymity.

Increasing literacy among White colonists and newspapering fueled Jefferson’s ideas, crucial for garnering support. He prioritized press freedom over government itself.

Jefferson faced financial troubles amid Monticello construction, legal disputes, and British policy impacts, tilting him towards revolution.

British policies increasingly united colonies against Parliament, with key legislation degrading colonial liberty. Virginia legislators, including Jefferson, denounced British acts and proposed a Continental Congress, setting the revolution in motion.

The juxtaposition of events and shifting alliances influenced Jefferson’s revolutionary trajectory. Companion Patrick Henry’s resolution aligned with Jefferson’s growing unity sentiment.

As conflict intensified, Jefferson participated in drafting declarations like “Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms,” transforming from loyal subject to revolutionary.

Lord Dartmouth’s military aid promise undermined Virginia’s radical actions, yet revolution prevailed.