Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 founding fathers on August 2, 1776. The term 'Founding Fathers' may also include a broader group of leaders instrumental in the American Revolution and the creation of the United States of America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document in American history, was formally signed by 56 founding fathers. This event occurred on August 2, 1776, when members of Congress who were willing and present put their signatures on the document, with some signatories adding their names at a later stage due to absence. The Committee of Five, including notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, had been appointed to draft this statement of independence on June 11, 1776. Their work facilitated the formal adoption of the Declaration, leading to the establishment of the United States of America.
It's important to note that the term Founding Fathers can also refer to a broader group of leaders who were instrumental in the American Revolution and the establishment of the country. This includes not only the signatories of the Declaration but also those who participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and had a significant role in American independence.