Mecklenburg Declaration and Its Implications

The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, dated May 20, 1775, was a bold statement by the citizens of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, declaring their independence from Great Britain. The document resolved to dissolve political ties with Britain, citing the invasion of rights and the shedding of American blood at Lexington. It declared the citizens as free and independent, pledging mutual cooperation and adopting new rules of conduct. The declaration also maintained civil and military authority within the county and resolved to communicate these resolutions to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

What was the main purpose of the initial resolution in the Mecklenburg Declaration?

• To support the British Parliament

• To oppose the invasion of rights by the British Parliament

• To establish a new monarchy

• To declare war on Great Britain

What significant action did the citizens of Mecklenburg County take in their declaration?

• They requested more British troops

• They sought a peace treaty with Britain

• They dissolved political ties with Britain

• They pledged allegiance to the British crown

Under whose power did the Mecklenburg citizens declare themselves sovereign?

• The British Parliament

• The King of France

• The Spanish Crown

• God and the general Congress

What did the Mecklenburg Declaration pledge to maintain their independence?

• Their trade relations with Europe

• Their lands and properties

• Their mutual cooperation, lives, fortunes, and honor

• Their allegiance to the British crown

What was the stance of the Mecklenburg Declaration regarding former British laws?

• They were to be strictly followed

• They were to be modified

• They were adopted as rules of conduct

• They were to be ignored completely

What authority was given to civil and military officers in Mecklenburg County?

• To establish new laws

• To exercise the same powers as before

• To report directly to the British crown

• To form a new military alliance

What was the role of each delegation member according to the Mecklenburg Declaration?

• To lead religious services

• To negotiate with Britain

• To act as a Justice of the Peace

• To become a military officer

What was the ultimate goal regarding the system of government mentioned in the declaration?

• To form a monarchy

• To revert to British rule

• To establish a more general and organized system

• To maintain the current system indefinitely

To whom were the resolutions of the Mecklenburg Declaration sent?

• The French Ambassador

• The Governor of Virginia

• The President of the Continental Congress

• The King of England

What was the purpose of sending the resolutions to the Continental Congress?

• To request military aid

• To negotiate a peace treaty

• To lay them before the Congress for recognition

• To seek financial support