Benjamin Franklin, the eldest member of the Continental Congress, along with John Adams, recognized the pressing need for American independence. Their challenge was to convince 3 million colonists of this cause. In 1776, Thomas Paine, a gifted 37-year-old writer deeply passionate about independence, published “Common Sense,” a persuasive pamphlet advocating separation from Britain and the establishment of a democratic republic. Paine donated all profits from his influential work to support the Continental Army.

King George declared the colonies in rebellion and hired German mercenaries to fight on behalf of the British. By June, Congress was prepared to declare independence, forming a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, with John Adams nominating Thomas Jefferson for the task. Approved on July 4, 1776, the Declaration asserted inalienable rights, accused King George of violating those rights, and announced the colonies’ formation of a new nation. Signatories risked being labeled traitors by Britain, punishable by death, with John Hancock signing first. Copies of the Declaration were sent to Britain, where it faced critique, particularly due to the pro-enslavement status of many signatories.

In July 1776,

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