Q&A
How was the Declaration of Independence “born”?
-Through many hardships including military rebellions, civil disagreements and people supporting the old ideals versus the new ones, a nation is essentially born. America’s freedom as both a nation and democracy can be rooted in one document, our Declaration of Independence.
What steps were taken to create the Declaration?
-June 7, 1776 marked the day where people came together at the Pennsylvania State House. Today, it is known as Independence Hall.
When exactly did independence become an issue?
-In August of 1775, Britain recognized that there was rebellion towards to English crown. After a series of events, by May 1776, the colonies were starting break away from British control one by one, little by little.
Were there any documents prior to the Declaration that prompted independence for America?
-Yes. In fact, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense sold thousands and thousands of copies when it was published in the winter of 1776.
Who was on the “Committee of Five” to create the actual Declaration of Independence?
-Among the writers of the declaration were Thomas Jefferson from Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston from New York, John Adams of Massachusetts and Roger Sherman from Connecticut.
How many parts does the Declaration of Independence consist of?
-There are five parts to the declaration: the introduction, the preamble, the body, which can be split into two parts and a conclusion.
Where are these 26 copies located?
-American institution owns 21 copies, 2 British organizations own copies and 3 are privately owned.
Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence?
-John Adams who was the president of Congress signed him name. After that, people signed the sheet based on the geographical location in which they came from with Northern states starting at the top and going down.
What was the Declaration printed on? How big was it?
-The original declaration was not written on paper. It is actually on parchment paper. It was 29 ¼ inches by 29 ¾ inches. Copies of it were distributed to various colonies on paper so they could be informed of the separation from England.
Fun Facts….
-Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. John Adams, another Committee of Five member died on the same day.
-The three documents, The Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and Constitution are coined the Charters of Freedom.
-Most people who signed the Declaration were either lawyers, merchants, plantation owners, or land owners.
-The oldest man to sign the Declaration of Independence was Benjamin Franklin. He was 70 years old.
-The youngest men to sign the Declaration of Independence were two 30 year old men named Thomas Heyward Jr. and Dr. Benjamin Rush. One was a lawyer and plantation owner. The other was a doctor.
www.archives.gov
www.ourdocuments.gov