Breaking Away From Britain
Continental Congress sign document to declare independence
Details of the Signing
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six delegates of the Second Continental Congress signed a document that formally announced the colonies' break from Great Britain titled The Declaration of Independence. The signing took place in Carpenters' Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson, the main author of this document, conveyed three main ideas in writing this announcement. The first being that all men posses unalienable rights such as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Jefferson also argued that that King George III had violated the colonies' rights by taxing them without their consent. Third, Jefferson concurred that the colonies' did have the right to break away from Britain. Those who signed the declaration knew that in signing this declaration would be considered a traitor, with their life on the line.
Thomas Jefferson, main author and fellow signer of the declaration
John Hancock, president of Second Continental Congress and first signer of the declaration
Benjamin Franklin, another signer
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
My name is Miss Martha Madison. I heard the Continental Congress passed a " Declaration of Independence." This is great news that we are finally breaking away from Britain. However, there was nothing about women's rights in it! I have suffered hardships just like the men! I boycott the goods.I help deliver the clothes and food to our army. My husband died for this country in battle! And I have no rights?! Women need to be a part of the laws as well as the men! Remember the women!
Sincerely,
Miss Martha Madison