Declaration of Independence - Historical Context and Content

Background and Historical Context

Delegates from various colonies assembled in Philadelphia.
May 10, 1776: Resolved to recommend colonies to establish governments independent of the British crown.
June 7, 1776: Resolutions for independence were proposed.
June 10, 1776: A committee was appointed to draft a declaration that the colonies are free and independent states.
June 11, 1776: Committee appointed to form a confederation and plan treaties with foreign powers.
July 2, 1776: Resolution declaring colonies free and independent adopted.
July 4, 1776: Declaration of Independence agreed upon, signed by John Hancock, and later by others.

Purpose: To justify the colonies' break from Britain and declare sovereignty.
Core Beliefs:
- All men are created equal with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Governments derive power from the consent of the governed.
- People have the right to alter or abolish destructive governments.
Grievances Against King George III:
- Refusal to assent to necessary laws for public good.
- Dissolution of legislative bodies and hindering new elections.
- Obstruction of justice and making judges dependent on his will.
- Imposition of taxes without consent, deprivation of trial by jury, and other injustices.
- Waging war against the colonies and employing mercenaries.

Notable figures including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and others.
Signatures from all colonies, highlighting unity.

Some signers were absent on July 4 but signed later.
Matthew Thornton signed in November after joining Congress.
Document reviewed and verified by Ferdinand Jefferson, Keeper of the Rolls, with comparison to original facsimile.