© The Knapp Co., Inc.
THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
PAINTING BY SARAH PAXTON BALL DODSON
THE REVOLUTION
The Declaration of Independence
FOUR
The Declaration of Independence was a big step for the thirteen brave little colonies to make. Until then they had only been fighting for their rights as colonies of England,—“No taxation without representation.” But after the Declaration of Independence they were battling as a separate country, and if conquered would have had to suffer the fate of rebels and traitors. Congress knew that if America declared itself free from England the aid of France might be hoped for, and this help might decide the whole outcome of the struggle. Besides they had come to a point where they could no longer fight as colonies, but must unite as a separate and independent country.
So on June 7, 1776, a committee was appointed to draw up a Declaration of Independence, which should be prefaced by a clear explanation of the causes that made the colonies adopt it. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.