This is an animated video that describes how the Declaration of Independence came about.
Summary of the Video:
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, two days after the resolution of independence was approved on July 2, 1776. Despite the adoption date, Americans celebrate July 4 as the nation’s birthday.
While Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the Declaration, it was a collaborative effort by a committee of five men: Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Adams suggested Jefferson join due to his writing skills and influence as a Virginian.
Jefferson borrowed some ideas and phrases from other writers without attribution. Franklin and Adams suggested minor revisions, but the most significant changes occurred during Congress’s review, including the removal of a section blaming King George III for the slave trade.
Congress eliminated Jefferson’s reference to slavery to avoid controversy. This decision highlights the contradiction of proclaiming liberty and equality while maintaining a system of slavery—a tension that later led to the Civil War and remains a point of reflection.
