Final answer:
In Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was not mentioned. Jefferson recognized the contradiction between the principles of equality and the institution of slavery. The language of natural rights in the Declaration laid the groundwork for future struggles for equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was not mentioned. In Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was not mentioned. Jefferson recognized the contradiction between the principles of equality and the institution of slavery. The language of natural rights in the Declaration laid the groundwork for future struggles for equality.
However, it's important to note that Jefferson himself owned slaves and recognized the contradiction between the principles of equality and the institution of slavery. He believed that abolition would pose risks to the young United States and feared an apocalyptic race war. Nonetheless, the Declaration of Independence's language of natural rights sowed the seeds for future struggles for equality.