9h 49min, jul 4, 1776 y - Declaring Independence
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By early summer 1776, events pushed the wavering Continental Congress toward a decision. North Carolina had declared itself independent, and a majority of Virginians told their delegates that they favored independence. At last, the Congress urged each colony to form its own government. On June 7, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee moved that “these United Colonies are, and of a right ought to be, free and independent States.
Congress appointed a committee to prepare a formal declaration explaining the reasons for the colonies' actions. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to express the committee's points.
On July 4, 1776, they adopted the Declaration of Independence and it was read to a crowd in front of the Pennsylvania State House--now called Independence Hall.
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