In 1775, right after the battles, the colonies were at war with Britain. Some Americans thought that King George Ⅲshould still be their rulers, but most thought that they it was worth fighting for independence. Many people gave speeches and wrote documents or pamphlets to express their thinking. For example, Patrick Henry, from Virginia, gave a speech and said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” John Adams and Richard Henry Lee were also believed in independence, and gave speeches as well. Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet known as the Common Sense. Within a few months, colonists had bought over 100,000 copies of it! George Washington had said, “I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many.” The Second Continental Congress …show more content…
So, Congress chose Thomas Jefferson (mentioned later on) and four other men. Jefferson wrote what had been already said by the colonists. He included John Locke's ideas, and many other english thinkers who had written or made speeches about independance. On the document, he argued that all the people should have their own rights that nobody can change or take away. Colonists have the right to live, the right to be free, and the right to seek happiness. Jefferson said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these a Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…” It also stated that Britain didn’t serve the colonies. One example would be that King George Ⅲhad tried to take away people's rights, and made everyone pay taxes. People would be punished if they hadn’t payed the taxes. When the document was finally finished, the Second Continental Congress had voted to accept the Declaration of Independence. By then, they need to sign, but it was very risky. The British would call it a treason, and whoever signed could be hanged, and/or be charged with treason. However, the delegates were brave and