b) John Hancock

John Hancock’s bold signature on the Declaration of Independence is perhaps the most famous and emblematic act of defiance against British rule. As President of the Second Continental Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the document. His large and flamboyant signature was a deliberate statement of his unwavering commitment to the cause of American independence. Hancock’s signature, apart from its symbolic value, also put him at great personal risk, as it could be seen as an act of treason against the British Crown. His action exemplifies the courage and resolve of the founding fathers.