Final answer:
The founding fathers used the phrase 'all men are created equal' to mean that all white males are equal before the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'all men are created equal' was used by the founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence. However, its meaning has evolved over time. Originally, the phrase was interpreted to mean that all white males are equal. Today, we understand it to mean that everyone, regardless of gender, race, or religion, is equal before the law.