Publisher Description
The Declaration of Independence set forth the principles for America by British Americans, led by Thomas Jefferson, John Adam, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. This document formed the foundation of all that followed in American life, from the Constitution and Bill of Rights to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. Its principle that all men are created equal served as the foundation of broadening all rights from blacks during the Civil War to women with right to vote in the early twentieth century, to people of all races, creeds, and colors. The concept of the pursuit of happiness meant all Americans had the right to be left alone as much as possible, as epitomized by the great jurist William Douglas, “The ultimate right is the right to be left alone,” to Henry David Thoreau who practiced that in his own life.
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About Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), a Founding Father and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Virginia into a wealthy and socially prominent family. Considered eloquent in his writing, Jefferson took on much of the writing needed by the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, both of which he was a member. In 1800 Jefferson was elected president in a tie vote that ironically was decided by Alexander Hamilton. In 1809, after two terms as president, Jefferson returned to his home in Monticello, where he developed, among other projects, plans for the University of Virginia. In addition, he sold his collection of books to the government to form the basis of the Library of Congress.
About Deaver Brown
Deaver Brown is an author and entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, and his books include Crucial Conversations, Presidential Wisdom, George Washington: Farewell Address, and numerous others.