"We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." Attributed to Ben Franklin. A remark made to John Hancock at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, on July 4, 1776. It means the signers of the Declaration of Independence should all stay together (hang together) and fight for their independence from England. Because if they fail, they will be hung for treason (hang separately). Read a book about Ben Franklin.

Photo: The Declaration of Independence.

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The Declaration of Independence (Cornerstones of Freedom)

This book is featured in Ben's Books. Cornerstones of Freedom is a SUPERB SERIES to learn about any historical document, event, or journey. Why is the Declaration of Independence one of the world's most important political documents? This book answers that question along with several others, including who wrote it, why it was written, what it meant at the time, and why it had such an impact on the world? There's also a timeline and glossary in the back for easy reference. It's a PERFECT GIFT on this 4th of JULY!

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This Week's Trivia Question:
Question: Which of the following people is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence: Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Patrick Henry?

Photos from Left to Right: Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry

Last Week's Trivia Question:
Question: Henry VIII had three children. Name them.
      
Answer: Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward. Mary (1516-1558) was the daughter of Catherine of Aragon. Elizabeth (1533-1603) was the daughter of Anne Boleyn. Edward (1537-1553) was the son of Jane Seymour. When Henry VIII died in 1547, Edward became Edward VI. Edward died, and his half-sister, Mary, became Mary I. When Mary died, the throne was passed to her half-sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth became Elizabeth I, and her reign is known as the Elizabethan Era. Read a book about Henry VIII

Photo: Mary I (left), Elizabeth I (center), and Edward VI (right)

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Did you know the American colonies had been fighting the American Revolution for over a year when the Declaration of Independence was signed?

Yes, the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, after "the shot heard around the world" was fired at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In that same year, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The next year, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was drafted, adopted by the colonies, and signed, thus making the American colonies an independent nation, called the United States of America. Read a book about the American Revolution.

Photo: Second Continental Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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"Ben Franklin is my all-time favorite hero. He was THE Founding Father of the United States, no just a Founding Father. He was the older, wiser statesman during the Continental Congress, and the other delegates looked to him for advice and guidance. And he never took himself too seriously -- he could add humor to any situation." Read a book about Ben Franklin.

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Q: When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

A: The Declaration of Independence was signed by all the delegates of the Second Continental Congress on August 2, 1776. The United States, however, celebrates its Independence on July 4 because that is the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by all the colonies. Here are some important dates regarding the signing of the Declaration of Independence:

July 2, 1776: The text of the Declaration of Independence was approved
July 4, 1776: The Declaration of Independence was adopted by all the colonies
July 8, 1776: The Declaration of Independence was read publicly in the State House Yard in Philadelphia and the Liberty Bell was rung.
August 2, 1776: The Declaration of Independence was signed by all the delegates of the Second Continental Congress.

Read a more about the birth of the United States
Read a book about the American Revolution

Photo: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Ben Franklin drafting the Declaration of Independence.

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