July 1, 1776 — An informal vote revealed independence did not yet have unanimous support. Pennsylvania and South Carolina opposed the measure, Delaware remained split, and New York abstained. Congress delayed the final vote until the next day.
Only two men signed all four of America’s great founding documents:
• The Continental Association (1774)
• The Declaration of Independence (1776)
• The Articles of Confederation (1777)
• The U.S. Constitution (1787)
Those men were Roger Sherman and Robert Morris.
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.