Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson drew upon the Enlightenment tradition, especially the natural rights philosophy of John Locke, when writing the Declaration of Independence. He also used language and concepts from William Blackstone, embedding the ideas of equality and inalienable rights in the fabric of American principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
As Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776, he leaned heavily on the philosophical tradition of natural rights, notably the works of English philosopher John Locke. Locke's theories were articulated during the Glorious Revolution, stating that individuals inherently possess rights such as life, liberty, and property, which governments must respect. The Declaration echoed these sentiments, proclaiming that all men are created equal and that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights.
In addition to Locke's influence, Jefferson's wording was inspired by the legal language of William Blackstone, incorporating phrases like "self-evident," "unalienable rights," and "Laws of Nature," which became fundamental in expressing American political ideals. The Declaration of Independence was not only a statement of separation from Britain but also laid the groundwork for American values focusing on individual rights and the concept of a government based on the consent of the governed.
Despite being a slave owner himself, Jefferson was conflicted about the institution of slavery, and his authorship of the Declaration, which spoke of equality and liberty, has been seen as having implicit anti-slavery overtones. However, the institution of slavery persisted in the United States long after Independence, revealing one of the many contradictions of Jefferson and his time.