It declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The 13 American colonies became independent with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution (1775–83) was an insurrection carried out by 13 of Great Britain’s North American colonies, which won political independence and went on to form the United States of America. The war followed more than a decade of growing estrangement between the British crown and many North American colonists. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined. American colonies - Revolution, Declaration, Independence: Fifteen months after the beginning of hostilities, the Second Continental Congress proclaimed American independence. Before 1775 the patriots generally desired to remain within the British Empire. As the war went on, the majority of them became convinced that their happiness was better assured outside the empire. They were driven to The U.S. declaration of independence from the United Kingdom in 1776 was a momentous event, but why did the 13 colonies declare independence? Fortunately, a group of colonial representatives wrote By the time the Declaration of Independence was adopted in July 1776, the Thirteen Colonies and Kingdom of Great Britain had been at war for over a year. Relations had been deteriorating between the colonies and the mother country since 1763. The thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776, specifically adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4. This declaration stemmed from economic grievances, lack of representation, and a desire for self-governance. On July 4, 1776, thirteen American colonies broke their political connection to the Kingdom of Great Britain by declaring independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence, the founding document of the United States, was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. American Revolution History Did you know that Paul Revere didn't ride alone, and there were women on the Revolutionary War battlefields? Find out more about the war's lesser-known patriots. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, is one of the most iconic documents in American history. Drafted during a time of war and uncertainty, it marked a turning point where the 13 American colonies formally rejected British rule and claimed their right to self-govern. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most venerated national symbols associated with the United States. But what does the document tell us about printing in the Thirteen Colonies and in the early United States at the time of the American Revolution? The Declaration also included a list of grievances against King George III, explaining to the world why the American colonies were separating from Great Britain. The American Revolution ended with the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 and the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Declaration of Independence Text About The Declaration of Independence On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. 12 of the 13 original colonies voted in favor of approving it. New York abstained as they did not receive instructions from the colonial government in Albany, NY prior to the vote. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it announced the independence of the 13 Original Colonies from British rule. The document laid out the principles of individual rights and self-government, arguing that all people are entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” What forces led the men and women in the 13 different colonies to set aside their differences and unanimously declare their independence? Much happened between the years of 1763 and 1776. The colonists felt unfairly taxed, watched over like children, and ignored in their attempts to address grievances. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it explains why the Thirteen Colonies decided to separate from Great Britain during the American Revolution (1765-1789). It was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on 4 July 1776, the anniversary of which is celebrated in the US as Independence Day. The thirteen colonies declared their independence on July 4th, 1776. The American Revolution lasted essentially from 1775 to 1781, and the US was officially recognized as free from Great Britain On July 4, 1776, representatives from the original 13 American Colonies came together to formally adopt a document that listed all their grievances against the British government and announce their independence from the crown. This document became known as the Declaration of Independence. Washington: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring that the 13 American colonies were no longer under British rule.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |