Benjamin Franklin Declined Role in Drafting Declaration of Independence 250 Years Ago

Two hundred and fifty years ago, on July 4th, representatives from 13 North American English colonies convened in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, marking a pivotal moment in Western history.

The document, which would eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America, was primarily drafted by a young Thomas Jefferson. However, the path to its final form involved significant collaboration and even chance. Benjamin Franklin, a figure of considerable influence, declined the primary authorship role. He cited a personal policy against writing texts intended for group revision and also mentioned suffering from gout.

John Adams, another key figure, recognized the document's importance but contributed only to the preamble of a different resolution. Jefferson submitted his initial draft to Franklin on June 21st. Franklin's review led to a notable alteration: he suggested removing the word "sacred" from the phrase "we hold these truths to be sacred and inalienable," feeling it carried an overly religious connotation. This change resulted in the now-famous "we hold these truths to be self-evident."

The Declaration underwent 85 revisions, with passages, such as the condemnation of the slave trade, being removed. It was officially signed on July 4th and publicly read in the city on July 8th. The differing visions for the new nation between Jefferson, who envisioned a rural utopia, and Adams, who favored a commercial and industrial one, foreshadowed future political dynamics. Ironically, both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.

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we hold these truths to be self-evident