What were each colonies views on independence?

Answer 1

Each colonial legislature had sent delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress to debate independence with specific views. All the colonies, except New York, gave their delegates a specific view on independence whether it be for independence or against it. Here is a list of all 13 colonies and their views and how many delegates each state sent:

New Hampshire: In favor of independence. Actually, New Hampshire was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain in January 1776. 3 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Massachusetts: In favor on independence. The numerous acts of parliament that punished Massachusetts made the state the champion in rallying support for the cause. 5 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Rhode Island: In favor of independence. Rhode Island renounced its allegiance to the crown on May 4, 1776. 2 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Connecticut: In favor of independence. Although, they never declared their separation from the crown until the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, they sympathized with their neighboring states in New England. 4 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

New York: Abstained prior to July 2nd. The New York Legislature was so divided that they never gave specific instructions to their delegates on voting. The delegates acted on their own behalf and voted for independence on July 2nd. 4 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

New Jersey: In favor of independence. Their governor, William Franklin was arrested on January 8, 1776 for supporting the crown and their delegates were major supporters of independence from Great Britain. 5 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Pennsylvania: Opposed to independence. The people of Pennsylvania were divided on the issue, but 5 out of the 7 delegates were opposed to independence. When the vote came on July 2nd, John Dickinson and Robert Morris, who were the most vocal opponents of independence played hooky and never voted. That resulted in 2 delegates voting 'nea' and 2 voting 'yea'. The swing vote was John Morton, who initially neutral, voted 'yea' allowing an unanimous vote in favor of independence among the 13 colonies. 7 delegates, 3 yea, 2 nea, 2 abstaining

Delaware: In favor of independence. 2 out of the three delegates were supporters and one opposed but all three signed the Declaration. Actually one of the delegates, Caesar Rodney, rode a midnight ride to Philadelphia in order to give a majority ruling in favor of independence. 3 delegates, 2 yea, 1 nea

Maryland: Initially opposed, but later favored. Maryland's government was initially opposed to independence, but a revolution in 1776 changed all that and the delegates in Philadelphia received new instructions that they vote in favor of independence. 4 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Virginia: In favor of independence. Virginia was the state that gave the proposal for independence of June 7, 1776 by Richard Henry Lee that later was adopted. Thomas Jefferson also crafted the Declaration of Independence was a major proponent of independence. 7 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

North Carolina: In favor to independence. Although the people were divided, the Legislature of North Carolina was the first to instruct its delegates to vote for independence on April 12, 1776. 3 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

South Carolina: In favor of independence. Like North Carolina, South Carolina residents were divided over independence. However, on March 15, 1776 the state declared independence from Great Britain and sent instructions to its delegates telling them to vote for independence. 4 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

Georgia: In favor of independence. The people of Georgia were largely opposed to independence. But the government of Georgia told their delegates to vote for independence anyway. 3 delegates, all of which voted for independence.

There you have it, as you can see the states and their delegates didn't always agree so it resulted in different outcomes than what was expected. For more information about the signers of the Declaration I recommend the book Signing Their Lives Away by Denise Kiernan & Joseph D'Agnese. Hoped this helped.