(patriotic music) - [Announcer] Why did the youngest founding father oppose independence?

Rutledge is famous for being the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence.

He was only 27.

But not everyone supported national independence and Rutledge was one of them.

He was the delegation leader of South Carolina, and while he knew independence was coming, his colony had adopted their own constitution.

He thought the colonies should first become a confederation with strong foreign alliances before taking on Britain.

So when it came time to vote for independence on July 1st, South Carolina said no, but they were outnumbered.

It seemed independence would win no matter what.

So Rutledge asked for a revote the next day.

Between the first vote and the second, Rutledge convinced all of the South Carolina delegates to change their minds for the sake of consensus, and they did.

History remembers Rutledge as a persuasive orator, successful attorney, and respected governor.