The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

Free and Independent States • Lee Resolution • Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, read a resolution before the Continental Congress "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Committee of Five • Five men were appointed to draft a statement making a case for American independence • John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston

We hold these truths to be self-evident • The Committee of Five draft the Declaration of Independence

Almost Unanimous • The Lee Resolution was adopted by 12 of the 13 Colonies (Now STATES) • New York did not vote • Congress decides to declare The United States of America independent

Almost Perfect • Congress debates and makes changes to the Declaration of Independence

Independence Day • Congress officially adopts the Declaration of Independence • The United States of America formally declares independence from Great Britain • Copies of the Declaration were printed immediately

Dunlap Broadsides • John Dunlap, official printer of the Continental Congress • About 200 copies were made and distributed throughout the colonies • 25 copies still exist

55 in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can’t offend • Congress ordered that the Declaration be “engrossed” on parchment with the phrase “The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America” • Handwritten by Timothy Matlack, official scribe of the Continental Congress

55 in iron pen, Mr. Matlack can’t offend • The engrossed Declaration was signed by most members of Congress • By November, 1776, 55 members of Congress had signed the Declaration • Thomas McKean, the 56th member, signed the Declaration in 1781