When Maryland delegates arrived in Philadelphia at the Second Continental Congress, they were initially restrained by conservative instructions from the Maryland Convention, which prohibited them from supporting independence. Few men worked harder to change that reality than Samuel Chase. A lawyer from Annapolis known for his uncompromising patriotism, Chase spent months arguing that reconciliation with Great Britain was no longer possible after the escalation of military conflict and the Crown's rejection of colonial petitions. 

Returning to Maryland in June 1776, Chase joined fellow Patriot Charles Carroll of Carrollton in persuading the Maryland Convention to reverse its position. On June 28, the Convention adopted new instructions authorizing Maryland's delegates to vote for independence, an essential political shift that ensured the colony would stand with the emerging United States. Just days later, on July 2, 1776, Maryland joined the unanimous vote in favor of independence. 

Chase subsequently signed the Declaration of Independence, but his most valuable contribution came before the document was officially adopted. His relentless lobbying in both Maryland and Philadelphia helped to sway one of the more cautious colonies into support for separation from Britain.