The foundational sentence of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," has served as a cornerstone of American ideals. However, the interpretation and application of this powerful statement have been central to a continuous national struggle for inclusivity.
Historically, the phrase "all men" was often used to refer to humankind in general. Yet, at the time of the Declaration's drafting in 1776, its authors' intent was not universally inclusive. While it may have conveyed a broad rhetorical scope, the delegates consciously excluded women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and in some instances, even those without property from its immediate application. Evidence of this limited scope is seen in the fact that the Declaration's signers largely supported or participated in the institution of slavery, which was permitted in all 13 colonies at the time of independence. A lengthy passage in Thomas Jefferson's original draft denouncing the slave trade was notably removed by the delegates before the document's approval.
The enduring significance of the Declaration's core assertion was later highlighted by Abraham Lincoln in his 1863 Gettysburg Address, which began by referencing the Declaration's proposition that "all men are created equal." The Civil War, which resulted in approximately 700,000 deaths, ultimately brought an end to slavery, marking a pivotal, albeit costly, step toward realizing the Declaration's ideals. This ongoing effort to make the principle of equality truly inclusive has been described as a constant American struggle.
The phrase "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" itself evolved from John Locke's earlier philosophical framework, which identified fundamental rights as "life, liberty, and property." Locke argued that individuals enter into social contracts to protect these rights. Jefferson's formulation is seen as a more expansive and aspirational interpretation, encompassing the right and opportunity for individuals to seek fulfillment, meaning, and well-being as they see fit, defining what has become known as the American Dream.
At the signing of the Declaration's parchment copy, Continental Congress President John Hancock famously urged unity, stating, "We must all hang together." Benjamin Franklin echoed this sentiment, alluding to the potential consequences of failure: "Yes, we must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."
This challenge of unity, of "hanging together" in the face of divisive forces, remains a central theme in the American narrative, from its founding to the present day. Reflecting on fundamental principles like those proclaimed in the Declaration can serve as a unifying force, defining common ground and aspirations for a diverse populace. The struggle to uphold and expand these ideals is presented as an ongoing commitment essential for the nation's continued progress.