Did Franklin edit the Declaration of Independence?

Benjamin Franklin served primarily as the editor of the Declaration of Independence. His changes were considered to have been minimal, but when the document went before the entire Continental Congress, the draft was more thoroughly altered from the larger body of Jefferson's original text.

What were the changes in the declaration of independence?

America's independence signaled a fundamental change: once-dependent British colonies became independent states that could wage war, form alliances with foreign nations, and engage freely in trade.

Who was involved in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?

Second Continental Congress In June 1776, the Committee of Five—John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston—was charged by the Committee of the Whole with the responsibility of drafting the Declaration of Independence—just in case the Lee Resolution was approved.

What did Congress change in the Declaration of Independence?

Congress made a number of changes and, to Jefferson's absolute horror, removed his section on slavery. Jefferson would look back years later on the change, evidently quite disturbed by it. This page shows the changes made during the drafting and revisions of the statement.

How many edits were made to the Declaration of Independence?

Jefferson completed his timeless defense of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in little more than two weeks, and like most writers, he was no stranger to the revision process. Between the Committee of Five and the Second Continental Congress, there were 86 edits to the document.

Who are the members of the Declaration of Independence?

Jefferson is the tall figure who deposits the Declaration of Independence on the table. Benjamin Franklin sits to his right. John Hancock (1737–1793) sits behind the table. Fellow committee members John Adams, Roger Sherman (1721-1793), and Robert R. Livingston (1746-1813) stand (left to right) behind Jefferson.