Thread by @JHolmsted

The first copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed on the evening of July 4th, 1776 in Philadelphia by a young immigrant, John Dunlap. ~200 Dunlap broadsides were distributed throughout the colonies, including one to General Washington & one to England. #July4th

Though several copies made their way to England, the Continental Congress did not send an official copy directly to King George. A 26th copy of the Dunlap Broadside was found as recently as 2009 in The National Archives in England. #July4th

Dunlap did more during the Revolutionary War than just secure one of the most historic printing contracts in American history, he was also a patriot who fought under Washington, including in a few key battles (that boosted the Continental Army) at Trenton & Princeton. #July4th

The Lee Resolution for independence preceded the official Declaration Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution "that these united colonies are & of right ought to be free & independent states," acting under the instruction of the Virginia Convention. #July4th

It contained 3 parts: a declaration of independence, a plan “for forming foreign alliances,” & "a plan for confederation." 3 committees were formed under order of Congress to address each part of the Lee Resolution. #July4th

The first part, a Declaration of Independence, was recognized as immediately necessary & approved by 12 of 13 colonies on July 2nd. NY abstained, but supported independence along with the other colonies within a week. The other 2 parts were not adopted until later. #July4th

“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right to be, free & independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, & that all political connection between them & the State of Great Britain is, & ought to be, totally dissolved…” #July4th

“That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared & transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration & approbation.”
-The Lee Resolution, June 7, 1776
#July4th

“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America." — John Adams #July4th

“Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the house when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of Congress to subscribe what was believed by many at that time to be our own death warrants?" — Benjamin Rush #July4th

“The decree is gone forth, and it cannot be recalled, that a more equal liberty than has prevailed in other parts of the earth must be established in America." — John Adams #July4th

“The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them." — Thomas Jefferson #July4th