Final answer:
The Continental Congress deleted criticisms of slavery from Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence, which connects to today's social unrest related to racial inequalities and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Continental Congress deleted criticism of slavery from Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's draft included a passage that blamed King George III for the slave trade and criticized the British crown for perpetuating and allowing this 'cruel war against human nature.' Delegates from states with economic interests in slavery, particularly Southerners, objected to this criticism. They argued that including such a section could divide the colonies at a time when unity was crucial. Therefore, the passage on slavery was removed to secure the support of all colonies.
This deletion directly connects to today's social unrest as racial inequalities persist. The legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle against racial injustice continue to be at the forefront of social and political activism. The phrase 'all men are created equal' from the Declaration has become a rallying call for equality and civil rights, reminding everyone of the foundational principles of the United States and the work that remains to achieve them for all citizens.