Ratonhnhaké:ton, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock at the signing
The United States Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on 4 July 1776 which proclaimed the sovereignty of the thirteen colonies then in rebellion against the Kingdom of Great Britain, and as such, were no longer a part of the British Empire.[1]
Among its contents was the assertion that "all men are created equal" and that they were entitled to the inalienable rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness", a conviction that came to be disseminated across the world, inspiring revolutions such as the French Revolution.[1]
History
The original draft of the document was written by Thomas Jefferson, and, over the course of the following months,[1] the Declaration of Independence was signed by a number of delegates who came to be known as the Founding Fathers, with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin being among the more prominent founders.[1] However, Washington was not among those who signed the document, as he was no longer a congressman and was currently commanding the Continental Army in New York City.
The Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton was present during a signing of the Declaration at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, having come seeking Washington to warn him about the Templars. During this time, his mentor Achilles Davenport waited outside.[1]
Gallery
