US Declaration of Independence

The US Declaration of Independence is a historic document that was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states and severed their political connections with Great Britain. Overall, it is considered a milestone in the American Revolutionary War and the foundation of the United States of America.

 

Declaration of Independence 

Prior to the Declaration of Independence, the American colonies were under the British rule. Tensions between the colonies and the British government had been growing for years due to various factors, including taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and a general sense of frustration with British policies. Efforts to reconcile had failed, leading to increased calls for independence among some colonists. 

The 13 colonies at the time of Declaration of Independence

The task of drafting the Declaration of Independence was assigned to a committee consisting of 5 members: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, although Jefferson is credited as the primary author.

 From left to right: Sherman, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams and Livingston. Both Jefferson and Adams would later serve the US Presidents

After the draft was completed, it was presented to the Continental Congress for approval and signatures. 56 delegates from the 13 colonies eventually signed the document, representing their commitment to the cause of independence. They signed it in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Pennsylvania State House (now know as Independence Hall).

The Independence Hall

The Assembly Room, in which the Declaration of Independence was signed

The Declaration of Independence comprises a preamble and 3 main sections. The preamble states the philosophical basis for declaring independence and the fundamental rights of individuals. The main sections of the Declaration outline a list of grievances against King George III and the British government, accusing them of violating the rights of the colonists. The document concludes by formally declaring the 13 colonies to be ''free and independent states'' and asserting their right to self-governance.