I have decided to post a web site concerning the Declaration of Independence. I feel that this was one of the most important aspects of Thomas Jefferson's life as well as being one of his greatest achievements.
I feel that this web site is very useful in showing us how influential Thomas Jefferson actually was in creating this important document and exactly what parts of it he was responsible for. It also contains information about the other people involved in creating the Declaration of Independence, such as George Washington, and what they were responsible for. Also right at the bottom of the page it contains other information such as pictures. I personally like the one of Jefferson holding the Declaration of Independence at the beginning of his presidential term.
I feel that this web site is pro Jefferson. It uses phrases such as “stunning” and “defining”.
I like the way this web site is laid out, especially how is has photos of the actual Declaration of Independence. The web site has been laid out very well, there are no huge chunks of writing and it is split down into manageable sized paragraphs, which are clear and concise.
This web site was quite easy to find.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jeffdec.html
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5 comments:
I found this website really interesting. Its really well laid out, i like that you can see extracts of the declaration of Indepenence. I also found it interesting where it talks about how Jefferson wanted to add a section to the Declaration condeming the British because of their part in the slave trade. I always thought that the Americans too played a huge part in the slave trade and that most of their citys and livelihoods were built by slaves. i agree that i think this website is pro Jefferson. There's a picture half way down of the Americans pulling down the statue of King George after a reading of the Declaration of Independence. It reminded me of what happened in Iraq when the people pulled down the statue of Saddam.
I found this website really simple and easy to read. The introduction is useful in summarising how the declaration of independence came about and this I therefore found quite helpful. The pictures of portraits depicting Thomas Jefferson, were quite interesting in presenting him as a strong role model that led America to its independence from Great Britain. In one portrait, where he is shown signing the declaration titled "Congress Voting the
Declaration of Independence,
c. 1776." by "Edward Savage and/or Robert Edge Pine."
Jefferson is painted as the tallest one in the picture, depicting him as the dominant one that is taking the lead role in signing the declaration and is also centred in the middle of the painting making the viewer’s eyes immediately observe him.
In addition, I also liked the allegorical picture of Jefferson titled “The Goddess of Liberty with a
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson,
Salem, Massachusetts,
January 15, 1807”.
I agree with Joe’s point that I think the website is pro Jefferson as this picture places Jefferson in a positive way, claiming that within the context of the picture Jefferson is seen to be "Liberty's Genius."
The website is very informative on Jefferson’s contribution to the Declaration of Independence. His critical words towards the British government interested me, as he firmly believed that the slave trade was solely the responsibility of King George III. This gives me the perception that Jefferson was extremely narrow minded, as the Americans also, if not more so, played a huge role in the trade as well.
The positive part about this website is that there is original photos of the Declaration of Independence. Its interesting to see that how, not only Jefferson, but all of the founding fathers wrote up the document, a document which is the most important in the countries history.
Overall the website is very useful on the study of Jefferson, as it explains his role towards the creation of American politics. But I did find the website a little too ‘Pro-Jefferson’. The website did not demonstrate any arguments against his policies, for example the blaming of the British contribution to the slave trade.
Good choice! I, too, find the Declaration of Independence quite fascinating and agree that it could possibly be the greatest work of Thomas Jefferson. The statement that all men are created equal and the words "life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness" may be the most eloquent and meaningful in American History.
As well as all the information, I also quite enjoyed the pictures of the handwritten documents. Their script is beautiful and quite different form the print of many people today.
In response to the comments that the website is pro Jefferson, I agree as well. The website is run by the Library of Congress, which is one of the largest libraries in the world (located in Washington, DC)and was originally created to serve Congress but is now open to the public. Its a government run site and continues to praise Jefferson (and many others) life and works.
Thomas Jefferson is view by msny Americans as a beloved president.
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