Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 members of the Second Continental Congress on August 2, 1776. Some members signed later due to being absent at the time of the initial signing. This foundational document was drafted following intense debate and collaboration among the colonies' leaders, signifying America's commitment to independence from British rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signatories of the Declaration of Independence
The Second Continental Congress was a pivotal body in American history, convening to face the escalating conflict with Great Britain. On August 2, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally signed by 56 members of Congress, though some affixed their signatures at a later date due to absence. This revered document, which is a cornerstone of United States history, was drafted to articulate the colonies’ decision to sever political ties with Britain.
The Committee of Five, which included illustrious figures such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, was pivotal in crafting the initial text of the Declaration. Their draft was then debated and refined by the broader Congress, which included other prominent leaders like John Hancock and Lyman Hall, before being officially adopted on July 4, 1776, and signed on August 2 of the same year.
Notably, the artwork by John Trumbull, showcasing the presentation of the Declaration to the Congress, exemplifies the patriotic spirit of this formative period and is featured both in the United States Capitol Rotunda and on the reverse side of the two-dollar bill. Inspired by the ideas presented in Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense,' the final adoption of the Declaration marked a definitive stance for independence and was a bold affirmation of the Congress’ commitment to liberty.