1776’s Declaration Of Independence Inspired Washington’s Troops To Fight Against The Odds – And Also Helped Bring In Powerful Allies
The first page of the original draft of the Declaration of Independence with minor emendations in the hands of John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress BY CHRISTOPHER MAGRA PROFESSOR OF AMERICAN HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE A crowd gathered along the waterfront in New York City in the summer of 1776. The scene they witnessed was terrifying. The largest expeditionary force in British history sailed into the American harbor . Over 300 ships brought 32,000 professional soldiers and Hessian mercenaries to crush a rebellion. Nearby, Gen. George Washington’s army gathered to hear their commander read a document that would forever change the nature of their fight: the Declaration of Independence. And contrary to how Americans now think of that document – as an inspiring declaration that detailed the grievances of Colonists against the British king and announced their independence from Great Britain – what Washington read to his army wa...
