The best explanation for why the Declaration of Independence does not directly address the issue of slavery is that the delegates to the Continental Congress deleted the original passage condemning slavery because too many of them, and the colonies they represented, had a vested interest in perpetuating the institution of slavery. Southern plantation owners depended on enslaved labor for their economy, and northern merchants benefited from the triangular trade involving enslaved people. The delegates wanted to unify the colonies against Britain and saw addressing slavery as too divisive a topic that could undermine that unity. They believed the document needed to focus on grievances against King George III that everyone could rally behind, and they also assumed that slavery would eventually fade away. Thus, the slavery passage was removed to maintain political cohesion and facilitate the colonies' fight for independence.
Key Points:
- Thomas Jefferson included a strong condemnation of slavery in his draft, but it was removed during Congress debates.
- Many delegates owned slaves or depended on slavery economically, which influenced the deletion.
- Addressing slavery would have divided the colonies during a critical moment of uniting against Britain.
- The issue was postponed, with the hope slavery would diminish over time.
- The Declaration aimed to unify and focus on undeniable British wrongs to justify rebellion.
This pragmatic decision had long-lasting consequences, as it left slavery unaddressed and contributed to systemic racial inequality in the new nation.
