The Signers of the Declaration: On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed a document that would lay the foundation for the United States to begin, the Declaration of Independence. In this document, they specified at least 27 grievances that the colonists had with the British government. At this time, the signers of the Declaration were still considered British subjects, but by signing this document, they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the American cause.