Braden: Important People of the Declaration of Independence

George Washington

He was appointed to be the Commander of the Continental Army and read the document aloud in front of City Hall in New York City. He became the 1st president of the Unites States.

Thomas Jefferson

He was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence and included that governments should get power from the people, not a king. He also wrote "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

John Adams

He was involved in many areas of independence and as a continental congress delegate (member), he helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence. He later became known as the 2nd President of the Unites States.

John Hancock

He was the President of Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed. His signature was so large and beautiful, his name became to mean a signature.

Thomas Paine

He wrote "Common Sense" (a 79 page pamphlet) in which he wrote arguments on the idea of American independence from England.

John Locke

He wrote about the rights and a government's role in those rights. Thomas Jefferson used his ideas when writing the declaration.

July 4th

Is known as "America's Birthday" or "Independence Day" because America becomes independent from Britain

Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776

Richard Henry Lee

On June 7, 1776, he introduced a resolution in the Second Continental Congress by proposing independence for the American colonies.

Benjamin Franklin

Originally against independence but changed his mind when he saw British oppression (cruel treatment to colonists).He gave advice to Thomas Jefferson, made changes to the original draft, and signed the document.