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Benjamin Franklin - the most respected American of that time - helped frame the Declaration of Independence. He was one of the five members of The Committee to produce a Declaration. (The other members were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.) Some scholars believe that Franklin was asked to write the Declaration and that he turned it down. Why? Because his "writing was not to be edited."Franklin was the most outspoken of the anti-slavery delegates and he would have included that clause in the Declaration. Franklin and Adams chose Jefferson to write the Declaration. Besides being an excellent writer, Jefferson was a slave owner from Virginia and this was politically important! If slavery was to be abolished in July of 1776, it would have to be proposed by a Southerner. When Jefferson finished his 1st draft of the Declaration, he immediately took it to Franklin who edited it! The clause of abolishing slavery went to Congress, but the Southern colonies/states would have no part of it and it was deleted from the signed Declaration. Franklin reminded Adams and other Northern anti-slavery delegates that the issue at hand was independence from Britain - not abolishing slavery. The issue of slavery could be brought up later. (And was it ever!) Franklin also gained the support of the French monarchy in the way of French troops and money that was instrumental in the American defeat of the British. How ironic that Franklin's influence of seeking "equal rights for all men" would be the later rallying cry for the French Revolution and the death knell for the French king and queen. - Brad Watson 5/28/09 11:01 MiamiWorldPerc@netzero.com

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Why did john Hancock sighn first?

John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence first to demonstrate his strong support for the cause of American independence from Britain. His bold signature, which is notably large and prominent, symbolized his willingness to take a stand and lead by example. Hancock's position as the President of the Continental Congress at the time also gave him the authority to sign first, making a statement of unity and determination among the colonies.


How is john Hancock outgoing?

John Hancock is often described as outgoing due to his bold personality and charismatic presence, particularly evident during the American Revolution. As a prominent statesman and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, he was known for his public speaking skills and ability to rally support for the colonial cause. His large signature on the Declaration symbolizes not only his commitment but also his willingness to stand out and be noticed, reflecting his larger-than-life character.


What did the colonists have to gain from the rivalry between England and France?

The support of france kept The English tied up so support for English troops were few!


What was an ally of the Colonies in the west?

An important ally of the Colonies in the west during the American Revolutionary War was France. France provided crucial military assistance, supplies, and naval support, which significantly bolstered the Colonial efforts against British forces. Additionally, the alliance with France helped to legitimize the American cause on the international stage and encouraged other nations to support the Colonies in their struggle for independence.


How do the US and Canada differ in the way they gainded independence?

During the period of 1867, a Confederation of six colonies of the British North American joined to form a new country, Canada. Then gradually, the military, financial and administrative support from the British slowly reduced as the new formed country took charge and more responsibility in the control of its future and destiny. This was strengthened by the fact that Canada had sent many troops to fight with Britain and its participation in the First World War. Great Britain's application of the Statute of Westminster to its dominions from the Acts of Parliament, granted New Zealand, the Irish, Newfoundland, Union of South Africa, Australia and Canada full independence. Hope that helped..

Related Questions

What type of support did the Declaration of Independence have among the people?

The Declaration of Independence gave the people a great amount of support. This support came from the unity that was formed among the people.


What was not a common argument given in support of the American colonist's declaration of Independence?

Britain had plenty of other colonies all over the world, and this fact was not used as evidence for why the colonies should be free. The Declaration of Independence focused only on the American colonies.


What was not a common argument given in support of the American colonists declaration of independence?

Britain had plenty of other colonies all over the world, and this fact was not used as evidence for why the colonies should be free. The Declaration of Independence focused only on the American colonies.


What was a common argument given in support of the American colonists Declaration of Independence?

Britain had plenty of other colonies all over the world, and this fact was not used as evidence for why the colonies should be free. The Declaration of Independence focused only on the American colonies.


Was not a common argument given in support of the American colonists' declaration of independence?

Britain had plenty of other colonies all over the world, and this fact was not used as evidence for why the colonies should be free. The Declaration of Independence focused only on the American colonies.


How did Benjamin Franklin help in war?

He traveled to France to get help from European nations.


What document do both men claim support their position?

Declaration of Independence


Was the declaration of independence used as a piece of propaganda?

Yes, the Declaration of Independence can be considered a piece of propaganda as it was intended to persuade individuals, both in the colonies and abroad, to support the American cause for independence from Britain. It emphasized the injustices suffered under British rule and the principles of self-governance that the colonists believed they were entitled to.


What was not a common argument to support American colonist Declaration of Independence?

Britain had plenty of other colonies all over the world, and this fact was not used as evidence for why the colonies should be free. The Declaration of Independence focused only on the American colonies.


Why was Jefferson picked to draft the Declaration of Independence?

He was an excellent writer. The delegates needed Virginia's support for the independence movement, Jefferson was from Virginia.


Support the resolution that a state be Immediately put in a posture of defense?

Declaration of Independence


What two ideas in the declaration of independence support the principal of popular sovereignty?

The independent