Drafting The Declaration Of Independence

In June 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a five-member committee, known as the Committee of Five, to draft a declaration of independence. The committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Thomas Jefferson, who was only 33 years old at the time, was tasked with writing the initial draft.

The First Draft

Jefferson’s first draft, also known as the “original Rough draught,” was written in June 1776. This draft was a comprehensive document that outlined the colonies’ grievances against King George III and the British government, as well as the colonies’ right to seek independence.

Revisions and Edits

The Committee of Five reviewed Jefferson’s draft and made significant changes, including adding 86 changes suggested by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The document was then presented to the Continental Congress for review and editing.

The Final Version

After several revisions, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The document declared the 13 American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and established the United States of America as a sovereign nation.