Roop - The Declaration of Independence

Abigail Adams: Abigail lived in Massachusetts, but her heart was with her dearest friend husband John Adams when he was away working for independence. Independent herself, Abigail cared for her family and farm in Johns repeated absences. Abigail frequently wrote John long letters about her thoughts, giving him love, support, and advice. Her inspiring words encouraged John to keep fighting for independence when it seemed an impossible dream.

John Adams: A Massachusetts lawyer and farmer, John was the guiding light behind independence. Adams was extremely well read and used his knowledge of law, history, government, and people to lead the colonies along the road to independence. He became the second president of the United States.

Sam Adams: Sam, Johns friend and cousin, lived in Boston. While John was the brains behind independence, Sam was the determined mastermind, working toward the goal of independence long before other Americans even considered such a revolutionary action.

Benjamin Franklin: Dr. Franklin, inventor and kite flyer, was the most famous American in the world in 1776. A retired Philadelphia printer, Franklin devoted his energies and skills into improving the world. Before independence Franklin lived in London, working to keep the American colonies in the British Empire. When this failed, Franklin returned home, dedicating his wisdom and wit to the cause of independence.

General Thomas Gage: General Gage was the commander of the British army in America. Gage loved America and found it difficult to put down the American rebellion. His troops, however, opened fire on American Patriots on April 19, 1775 in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts beginning the War of Independence.

King George III: George became king of Great Britain in 1760. During the early years of his reign, the American colonists honored King George III. By 1776, however, stubborn King George had become more of a tyrant than a beloved monarch. Much of the Declaration of Independence was a listing of grievances against his rule.

John Hancock: Hancock, a Massachusetts merchant and smuggler, was one of Americas wealthiest men. In 1776 John Hancock was President of Congress when independence was declared. Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. Hancock signed with such a flourish that today we ask people to sign their John Hancock as their signature.

Patrick Henry: Henry was a fiery Virginia lawyer and leading spokesman for independence. His famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech planted the seeds of independence in the hearts of many Americans.

Thomas Jefferson: In 1776 red-haired Thomas Jefferson was only thirty-three years old when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Soft spoken Jefferson was a masterful writer whose appealing words and phrases explained to the world why the thirteen American colonies had declared their independence.

Thomas Paine: Poverty-stricken Paine had been in America less than a year when he penned his inspiring book Common Sense. Paines powerful words convinced even more Americans to rebel against Britain.

Parliament: Parliament governed the British Empire. The laws Parliament passed taxing her colonies became the motivating force behind American independence.

Paul Revere: Paul Revere was a talented Boston silversmith, a skilled horseman, and a dedicated Patriot. Revere organized dozens of men and women to spy on the British. Revere is famous for his midnight ride of April 18, 1775, but he was only one of the many messengers spreading the word that the British were coming.

George Washington: Washington was a wealthy Virginia planter and slave owner. Washington courageously fought for the British during the French and Indian War and earned a reputation for leadership. In 1775 Congress appointed Washington commander in chief of the American militia. Washington molded this ragtag group of independent Patriots into the army which defeated the British, the worlds most powerful army.