How Did The Colonists Lead Up To The Declaration Of Independence

When colonists rebelled against Great Britain and destroyed British goods during the Boston Tea Party, Parliament became highly upset. This lead to the ratification of several laws that were enacted to control the colonies. The Intolerable Acts, basically punished all thirteen colonies. This also made the colonists hate Britain even more. In September of 1774, men selected from twelve colonies, came together to focus ways to combat Britain's new legislation. This meeting was called the First Continental Congress. John Adams,George Washington,Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere were in attendance brainstorming resolutions to accommodate colonists as well. After numerous failed attempts, Britain still wasn't getting the message. In May of 1775, the Second Continental
This document still gave loyalty to the King, but requested that the King and his Parliament "lighten up" on the colonists. Even though colonists were eager to break away from Britain, many feared life without them as a support system. In 1776, Thomas Paine published the pamphlet Common Sense. Paine persuaded the colonists to no longer accept the treatment they were receiving. He also encouraged them to not have any doubt about living as an independent colony. Upon discovering this, Britain passed the Prohibitory Act. This closed all ports the colonies had access to trade with..Richard Lee,a Virginia delegate,proposed a resolution:"That these United Colonies are,and of right ought to be,free and independent States." This resolution also explained America breaking away from Britain.Congress approved this resolution but felt that a more decent document should be written. Congress then created a committee to write a more formal declaration. The committee consisted of Benjamin Franklin,John Adams,Roger Sherman,Robert Livingston,and Thomas Jefferson. The committee selected Thomas Jefferson to draft the document. On July 2, 1776 Congress passed Lee's resolution. Also, delegates began editing Jefferson's