Unit 3: The Secret Road to Freedom (1ère Générale)

The Declaration of Independence

We have learned that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson July 4^th 1776. Then, it was signed by the leaders of the thirteen colonies. It was signed in Philadelphia. The American colonies wanted to be independent from Great Britain because there were too many taxes. Besides, there were no representatives of the American colonies in the British Parliament at the time. From this episode, a famous quote was said: “No representation, no taxation!”. Therefore, the Americans thought it was best for them to be independent from Great Britain.

Nowadays, Americans still celebrate this episode as it is considered as being the birthday of the USA (13 colonies). American people celebrate it through family gatherings, sharing barbecue meals, watching fireworks and attending concerts and parades.

Paradoxically, Thomas Jefferson, the one who drafted the Declaration was himself a slave owner. And while he was fighting for freedom, it was only for the White Americans ignoring the black slaves on the territory. Hence, we can say that from the beginning, the USA was built on a paradox: land of the free (white people), home of the oppressed (black people).

Homework: Learn the lesson.