Fact Check: Is it true that there was a paragraph in the first draft of the Declaration of Independence dealing with the issue of slavery?

Fact Check: Was There a Paragraph in the First Draft of the Declaration of Independence Dealing with the Issue of Slavery?

What We Know

Yes, there was indeed a paragraph in Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence that addressed the issue of slavery. In this draft, Jefferson condemned King George III for perpetuating the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as a "cruel war against human nature itself" and a violation of the rights of life and liberty for enslaved individuals. This passage highlighted the moral implications of slavery and criticized British involvement in the slave trade (source-1, source-5).

The paragraph was ultimately removed during the editing process by Congress, specifically during sessions held on July 3 and 4, 1776, as the delegates debated the content of the document. The decision to delete this passage was influenced by the political climate of the time, particularly the need to maintain unity among the colonies, some of which were slaveholding states (source-2, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that there was a paragraph addressing slavery in the first draft of the Declaration of Independence is well-supported by historical documents and scholarly research. Jefferson's original draft, often referred to as the "Rough draught," is preserved and accessible through various historical archives, including the Library of Congress (source-1). This draft explicitly criticized the slave trade, which was a significant issue in the context of American independence.

The removal of this passage was not merely a trivial edit; it reflects the complexities of the political landscape in 1776. Many delegates were concerned that including a strong condemnation of slavery would alienate Southern colonies that relied on slave labor. This political compromise underscores the contentious nature of slavery in American history and the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers in addressing it (source-5, source-6).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including primary documents and reputable historical interpretations. The Library of Congress and established history websites provide accurate accounts of Jefferson's draft and the subsequent debates among the Continental Congress (source-1, source-4).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that there was a paragraph in the first draft of the Declaration of Independence dealing with the issue of slavery is true. Jefferson's original draft included a significant condemnation of the slave trade, which was later removed due to political considerations. This historical fact highlights the complexities surrounding the issue of slavery during the founding of the United States and the compromises made in the pursuit of independence.

Sources

1. Jefferson’s “original Rough draught” of the Declaration of Independence
2. First Printed Version of the Declaration of Independence
3. The Deleted Passage of the Declaration of Independence
4. Why Thomas Jefferson's Anti-Slavery Passage Was Removed from the Declaration
5. The Deleted Slavery Passage from the Declaration of Independence
6. Jefferson Condemns the Slave Trade in the Declaration of Independence