Through the years of conflicting ideas, slaves were exposed to the beliefs and ideas that Americans possessed unalienable rights that Britain are unable to abduct. African Americans believed that these rights had applied to their situation towards slavery as well. Thomas Jefferson stated within the Declaration of Independence that “...all men are created equal…” and held “...certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, most whites never considered this belief to pertain towards blacks. George Washington was one of the many white Americans, who considered that these rights incorporated those enslaved and took action in gaining their freedom. Angered by the unfairness, negroes responded by revolting, escaping, and establishing cases for their
Through the years of conflicting ideas, slaves were exposed to the beliefs and ideas that Americans possessed unalienable rights that Britain are unable to abduct. African Americans believed that these rights had applied to their situation towards slavery as well. Thomas Jefferson stated within the Declaration of Independence that “...all men are created equal…” and held “...certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, most whites never considered this belief to pertain towards blacks. George Washington was one of the many white Americans, who considered that these rights incorporated those enslaved and took action in gaining their freedom. Angered by the unfairness, negroes responded by revolting, escaping, and establishing cases for their