On July 5, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ordered the distribution of the Declaration of Independence to the troops. John Hancock authorized John Washington to have the Declaration read to his army at formations. Washington scheduled the reading for July 9 and hoped it would serve as an incentive for the officers and soldiers to act with fidelity and courage.
The Declaration was read to the troops, but things did not go according to plan. A mob of troops and locals rioted, storming down Broadway and toppling a statue of King George III.
The reading of the Declaration marked a significant moment in the war, as it informed the troops that they were fighting for a new nation, free and independent from Great Britain.
