The Evolution of the Declaration of Independence: A Closer Look at the Role of ‘Pursuit of Happiness’

The historical journey of the Declaration of Independence, one of the most pivotal documents in American history, is a testament to the complex dynamics and compromises that shaped the very foundation of this nation. One of the most intriguing aspects of this document is the removal of the phrase "property" and its replacement with the more universal and aspirational "pursuit of happiness." This change encapsulated a broader appeal and reflected the evolving social and political landscape of the 13 colonies during a critical moment in their history.

Thirteen Colonies: Property and Citizenship

During the early days of the American colonies, property ownership was often a prerequisite for voting rights and civic participation. Many states restricted voter eligibility to landowners, a practice that maintained social hierarchies and limited political involvement to the landed gentry. As the colonies prepared to declare their independence from Great Britain, this property requirement posed a significant challenge. Not only did the requirement exclude a substantial segment of the population but it also risked fracturing the unity needed for a successful revolution.

Jefferson and his Colleagues

Thomas Jefferson, along with his fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, recognized the inherent limitations of a document that was narrowly defined around a specific economic class. Jefferson, being one of the wealthier figures of the group, understood the broader implications of a declaration that focused solely on property ownership. The removal of the phrase "property" and the insertion of "pursuit of happiness" was a strategic move to broaden the appeal of the Declaration. This change aimed to create a more inclusive and aspirational vision for a new nation, where the pursuit of individual well-being and freedom could be a shared ideal.

Jefferson's Original Draft and the Continental Congress

Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence was indeed rich with references to property ownership, reflecting his personal experiences and the realities of the time. However, the final version that emerged from the Committee of Five and the Continental Congress was a carefully crafted document that underwent numerous revisions. In the final draft, references to property were replaced with the more open-ended "pursuit of happiness," a phrase that has since become a cornerstone of American democracy. This change was not made without contention; Jefferson himself expressed frustration with how the document was altered by the Congress. Nonetheless, Franklin, a seasoned diplomat, recognized the necessity of these revisions to align with the broader political and social consensus of the time.

The Dunlap Broadside and the Road to Independence

On the night of July 4th, 1776, John Dunlap's print shop in Philadelphia churned out over 200 copies of the Declaration, known as the Dunlap Broadside. These copies were hastily dispatched to the 13 states, the colonial capitals, and the Continental Army where General Washington read the Declaration to his troops. This document, which was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, marked a turning point in the American revolution. The presence of Jefferson, Franklin, and other key figures during the printing process underscores the importance of this moment in American history.

The Virginia Declaration of Rights: A Different Document

Contrary to popular belief, the Virginia Declaration of Rights (VDR) was not the original preamble to the Declaration of Independence. The VDR, adopted on June 12, 1776, in Williamsburg, VA, was crafted by the Virginia Assembly and reflected the ideas of Thomas Jefferson and other reformers. The VDR, while sharing some themes with the Declaration, served a different purpose and was not directly used by Jefferson in drafting the initial version of the Declaration.

The Connection Between the Virginia Constitution and the Declaration

There is a clear connection between the Virginia Constitution, drafted on June 29, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence approved on July 4th. Jefferson provided an early draft of the Declaration to the men in Williamsburg, who then used it as a template for the preamble of the Virginia Constitution. This exchange highlights the collaborative nature of the revolutionary process and the shared ideals that bound the founding fathers.

Conclusion

The Declaration of Independence stands as a powerful symbol of the American spirit and a testament to the nuanced and evolving nature of political thought during the revolutionary era. The shift from "property" to "pursuit of happiness" exemplifies the broader aspirations of a new nation, where individual freedom and the common good were to be shared ideals. This document, crafted through a process of negotiations and compromises, laid the foundation for the grand experiment of American democracy.