American Independence wasn’t universally popular in 1776.
Historians estimate that roughly one-third of Americans supported independence, one-third remained loyal to Britain, and many others tried to stay neutral.
The New York Provincial Congress evacuates New York City as British forces approach.
Yesterday, General Washington learned of 45 Royal Navy ships bearing down on New York from Sandy Hook. The situation looks dire.
How old were some of America’s Founding Fathers in 1776?
🇺🇸 Thomas Jefferson — 33
🇺🇸 Alexander Hamilton — 21
🇺🇸 James Madison — 25
🇺🇸 John Adams — 40
🇺🇸 George Washington — 44
🇺🇸 John Hancock — 39
🇺🇸 Benjamin Franklin — 70
🇺🇸 Patrick Henry — 40
🇺🇸 Samuel Adams — 53
🇺🇸 Thomas Paine — 39
The United States was founded by a remarkable mix of young revolutionaries and experienced statesmen.
This should have been 9-0. Shame on justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch for not voting with the majority in this case.
If you are born here, you're a citizen. Plain and simple.
At Turtle Gut Inlet, New Jersey, Continental and Royal Navy ships battle.
The Americans win a narrow victory, with the loss of 24 British sailors.
Only one American is killed, 29-year-old Richard Wickes, the first man from New Jersey to die in battle in the war.
The Supreme Court has voted to uphold birthright citizenship.
Donald Trump filed an executive order to attempt to deny automatic American citizenship to children born to parents that are in the U.S. illegally.
The average age of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence was just 44 years old.
The youngest was Edward Rutledge (26).
The oldest was Benjamin Franklin (70).
America’s founding brought together both youthful ambition and decades of experience.