Why were many afraid to sign off on a Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

Dickinson was the only delegate who refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. He refused to sign because he felt the colonies should reconcile their differences with Great Britain and stay within the British Empire and its protection. He thought independence would be disastrous. The other delegate who did not sign was Robert R. Livingston of New York, but not because he refused to sign. He had voted for adoption of the Declaration but was recalled to New York before the delegates signed the official copy on August 2, 1776.

Answer 2

John Dickinson was one of the most valued patriots in early Colonial America. When it came time to sign the Declaration of Independence, he refused on the grounds that he believed that there should be more unity between the colonies first, as well as voicing his concern that the forming nation should secure allies before taking the British on.

Answer 3

There were many Tories among the colonists. A Tory is one who wanted the colonies to remain British.

There were some Patriots who were either afraid of British reprisal against them, or whose businesses would be ruined by cutting the ties to Britain.