"We must all hang together."
- John Hancock, 1776

"Yes indeed we must all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin, 1776

The First Continental Congress honored King George in 1774, but dramatic events of 1775 changed everything. In April, "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired on Lexington Green. In May, the Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army. In June, Americans and Redcoats battled on Bunker Hill. In August, the King proclaimed the colonies were in rebellion. In autumn, American forces invaded Canada.

Congress debated the pros and cons of colonialism, but in January 1776, a brilliant argument for independence called Common Sense inspired fierce patriotism throughout America. Finally on July 4, 1776, independence from England was declared, signed by 56 brave men who were committing treason.

The United Colonies now faced war against the world's greatest military power. America had 8 ships vs. Great Britain's fleet of 270, and the army's munitions would not last one month.