The Declaration of Independence was presented before the Continental Congress for approval on July 2, 1776, but it was not formally ratified until July 4. The Congress spent two days in revising the document. (Can you imagine today’s Congress getting this revision process finished in two days?) It was signed on August 2. Its primary author was Thomas Jefferson, but also on the drafting committee were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. The document was written to serve as a statement of causes that justified secession. It was aimed at the general population, but also at foreign … Continue reading The Declaration of Independence