YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY) — At the height of the American Revolution, the Patriots were ready to separate themselves from British government. After numerous battles in the colonies, Congress appointed “Committee of Five” to draft the very document representing the beginning of the U.S.
There were many reasons for the divorce. Taxation without representation, fights over the balance of government and the pursuit of happiness. Drafting the document was a dangerous act.
“This was a huge risk, because anyone who rose up in arms against the British government in America were essentially traitors and could be executed,” said Sarah Meschutt, American Revolution Museum Lead Curator. “So this document was produced. It set out the reasons for the divorce from the British government. The reason they wanted independence and the grievances they had sustained.”…