Explain In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson asserted that all men are created equal. To what extent had this been true in American history prior to 1776?

Prompt: In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson asserted that all men are created equal. To what extent had this been true in American history prior to 1776? Be sure to look at the idea of equality (or inequality) in colonial America through the lens of race, class and gender, drawing on Foner for support.