1. Second Continental Congress

2. Declaring Independence
June, Richard Henry Lee proposed that the colonies be independent states from Great Britain
Delegates debated idea

3. Writing the Declaration
Committee was formed to write the declaration: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman
Jefferson wrote the first draft explaining why the colonies were proclaiming independence

4. Ideas Inspired by English philosopher John Locke
Believed people were born with certain natural rights to life, liberty, and property

5. Declaration of Independence
Approved on July 4, 1776
Signed by 56 delegates
Copies sent out to the newly declared states