A phrase from The Declaration of Independence informs everyone that no person differs from others. All are born with the same rights and opportunities no matter what bloodline and race they came from. This set of words originated from the mind of a brilliant writer, inventor, philosopher, and hypocrite named Thomas Jefferson, a master to two hundred slaves. He wrote the phrase “all men are created equal” (“Declaration,” 1) that will soon inspire many Americans that everyone should be treated with respect. It also states that everyone are equal in the eyes of their Creator. However, this was not the case during the late 1700s. Slavery, an insult to the declaration, continued to have a critical role in the developing economy. Along with the many
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What slavery is in the late 1700s is comparable to what it is in the modern world. The morality of it did not change (Price). From the beginning, slavery disrespects the value of one’s individuality. Jefferson called it a “hideous blot” while George Washington denounced it as “repugnant” (“Thomas,” par. 1) It contradicts the “all men are created equal” phrase. Although many shared their opposition about the issue, some still relied on it especially Jefferson. His views on Black Americans and slavery were complicated. According to him, “[he] tremble for [his] country when [he] reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever” (“Jefferson’s Views,” par. 3) Jefferson asserts that he can observe the grim nature of it, but he remained to be a part of its backbone. He would spout forbidding words against its use as a revolutionist, but when he gets home, he sleeps with his slaves as their master. He once tried abolishing the Atlantic slave trade to Virginia; yet, the slave population increased becoming more widespread and profitable. Though he proposed for this abolition, his main goal was only for his financial interest since his livelihood depended on it (Price). Years later, Washington wrote his will for the emancipation of all his slaves and their children after his death. Jefferson, on the other hand, emancipated only seven which are all a part of the Hemings family (“Jefferson’s View,” par. 3). His reason is that slaves who were set free were like children to him. They would not be able to survive independently (Price). His words expressed hatred and disgust against an institution that opposes democracy and equality like slavery. On the contrary, his actions convey the opposite making him a true
What slavery is in the late 1700s is comparable to what it is in the modern world. The morality of it did not change (Price). From the beginning, slavery disrespects the value of one’s individuality. Jefferson called it a “hideous blot” while George Washington denounced it as “repugnant” (“Thomas,” par. 1) It contradicts the “all men are created equal” phrase. Although many shared their opposition about the issue, some still relied on it especially Jefferson. His views on Black Americans and slavery were complicated. According to him, “[he] tremble for [his] country when [he] reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever” (“Jefferson’s Views,” par. 3) Jefferson asserts that he can observe the grim nature of it, but he remained to be a part of its backbone. He would spout forbidding words against its use as a revolutionist, but when he gets home, he sleeps with his slaves as their master. He once tried abolishing the Atlantic slave trade to Virginia; yet, the slave population increased becoming more widespread and profitable. Though he proposed for this abolition, his main goal was only for his financial interest since his livelihood depended on it (Price). Years later, Washington wrote his will for the emancipation of all his slaves and their children after his death. Jefferson, on the other hand, emancipated only seven which are all a part of the Hemings family (“Jefferson’s View,” par. 3). His reason is that slaves who were set free were like children to him. They would not be able to survive independently (Price). His words expressed hatred and disgust against an institution that opposes democracy and equality like slavery. On the contrary, his actions convey the opposite making him a true