Question

What was the penalty for the delegates in the Congress who were debating total independence from Britain?

Answer 1

During the debates for total independence from Britain, delegates in the Continental Congress faced severe consequences if their attempts succeeded. If they were caught committing treason against the Crown, which advocating for independence constituted, they could face execution—specifically, hanging. The penalty was a reflection of the gravity of their actions, as declaring independence was seen as a direct affront to British authority. The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, encompassed this risky stance; the signers effectively wagered their lives and fortunes on the pursuit of freedom from Britain, thus solidifying their commitment to the cause of independence.