What About 1775 and American Independence?

From the History Channel site.

When the initial battles of the American Revolution were fought in 1775, few colonists wanted independence form Great Britain.  Those who did (Sons of Liberty and Patriots) were considered radical.  By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists, especially in New England, were in favor of independence.

On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.  Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies' independence.

A heated debate was held and the vote postpones.  But a five-man-committee was appointed to draft a formal statement justifying a full break with Great Britain (Independence).

Members were Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York.

--Brock-Perry