The Founding Fathers: Why their radical beliefs continue to shape America
Yes, they were flawed; many of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence – indeed the man who wrote it – were themselves slaveholders. Yes, also: what they did in the summer of 1776 changed the world.
TL;DR
- The Declaration of Independence, written by slaveholders like Thomas Jefferson, introduced world-changing philosophical statements about government and human rights.
- Experts like Danielle Allen argue that the Declaration should not be dismissed due to the Founders' hypocrisy but embraced as an important inheritance.
- The drafting committee included Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, but Jefferson penned the first draft, including the phrase 'All men are created equal'.
- A paragraph critiquing George III for the slave trade was removed due to necessary compromises, highlighting the contentious issue of slavery in 1776.
- Fifty-six men signed the Declaration, understanding it was a death sentence if the revolution failed.
- Professor Allen Guelzo describes the Founders as a gifted group who recognized innate human desires for life, liberty, and happiness, and posited that government's purpose is to foster these.
- Essential figures include George Washington, whose leadership was vital for a successful revolution, and individuals like Abigail Adams, who offered significant advice.
- The definition of Founders can include Black Americans and soldiers, such as those in the Rhode Island Regiment.
- There has been a notable shift in how the nation's founding and Founders are remembered, possibly due to ongoing societal contentions.
- The 250th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate America not for perfection but for its promise of self-governance on a national scale and the birth of freedom and equality.