Thomas Jefferson Response To The Declaration Of Independence

Thomas Jefferson 's expression, "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal," reflected the ideas of the American citizens but it was not accurately applied in the lives of Native Americans, woman, and African-Americans. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, communicated the idea of liberty in that everyone is equal; however, he and his people held the Native Americans captive. In the declaration, Jefferson referred to them as ‘merciless savages ' (Jefferson 254) indicating that he does not care enough about them to even show some respect. Jefferson criticized King George III for rejecting their freedom while downgrading the Native American 's status and enslaving them. By claiming that everyone deserves equal

Jefferson responded in a brusque manner saying that he does wish to give the black breathen freedom as well. However, from the tone of his letter, he distinctly has no interest whatsoever in Banneker 's request and was not eager to carry it out. Because of lack of interest in Banneker 's censure, Jefferson 's insincere reply demonstrates self-regard as well as self-contradictory confirming the unequal share of rights. In his painting entitled George Washington Crossing the Delaware, Emanuel Leutze painted a scene of when George Washington crossed the Delaware River in December 1776 during the Revolutionary War. The painting depicted George Washington standing in a boat in an icy river along with several other boats, each filled with people rowing. In the same boat, a black male sat at an angle while rowing with his face slightly hidden. Because the artist believed that everyone should have equal rights, he mythologized the scene by including this African-American figure and deceived viewers into thinking that the American Revolution will lead to equality for all. Yet, out of the many African-Americans who were promised liberty for their effort in the Revolutionary War, very few were