The following are key elements leading up to the Declaration of Independence. You may sign up for a group. Your group will edit this page to add details for each heading. The first is completed as an example. Be sure that you adequately, succinctly, and correctly describe the concept as well as the people involved. Make sure to provide a reference for your information.

Developing the idea

In June 1776, the Second Continental Congress decided that they needed to declare independence in one fashion or another. They agreed to take a three week recess and appointed the "Committee of Five" which included John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. After the committee discussed the general direction that the document would take, they asked Jefferson to write the first draft.

(References: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_history.html, http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-appoints-committee-of-five-to-draft-the-declaration-of-independence, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_of_Five)

Writing

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson

Group A

Proofing and changing

Benjamin Franklin

Group B

Presented to Continental Congress for debate

Group C

Engrossed

Timothy Matlack

Group D

Signed

John Hancock is the first

Group E

Sent to King George

Group F

The King's response

Group G