1. The Declaration of Independence and Scandal
Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration of Independence and Scandal

2. The Declaration of Independence Quiz
On the rough draft copy of the Declaration, draw brackets around the following sections:
The Preamble
The List of Grievances
The Explanation of Previous Actions
The Resolution
Where can we find the philosophical foundations of the document?
Who is the Declaration written to?

3. The Declaration of Independence
With a partner, look at the Declaration.
As stated in the Preamble, what is it our right to do?
Look at the list of grievances. How are minorities (African Americans and Native Americans in particular) addressed in the Declaration?
Who else is left out of the Declaration?
What is a tyrant? Do you believe King George III is a tyrant? Explain.

4. Thomas Jefferson and Slavery
Early in his career, Jefferson took steps that he hoped would end in slavery’s abolition.
Virginia law of 1778 prohibiting the importation of slaves.
1784, proposes an ordinance to ban slavery in the northwest territories.
Mid-1770s advocates gradual emancipation.

5. Thomas Jefferson and Slavery
After 1785, Jefferson began to take a paternalistic view of slaves.
Mutual dependency
Began to take an interest in his daughter’s maid, Sally Hemings.

6. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings
Sally Hemings became part of the Jefferson household when she was a child
From the Wayles household, Jefferson’s in-laws
Hemings became a nurse for the children when she was herself a child.
Accompanied Jefferson’s daughters to Paris.

7. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings
In 1802, the scandal broke.
Jefferson denied everything
Continued to be in a relationship with Hemings until the day he died.
Had six children with Hemings, two he freed, others were freed after his death.
In 1998, using DNA technology, it was officially proven that Jefferson had in fact fathered the children of Sally Hemings.