After two days of editing and debate, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, even as a large British fleet and more than 34,000 troops prepared to invade New York. So begins the Declaration of Independence. But what was the Declaration? Why do Americans continue to celebrate its public announcement as the birthday of the United States, July 4, 1776? While that date might just mean a barbecue and fireworks to some today, what did the Declaration mean when it was written in the summer of 1776? On the one hand, the Declaration was a formal legal document Jefferson largely wrote the Declaration in isolation between June 11 and June 28, 1776. The Declaration was a formal explanation of why the Continental Congress voted to declare American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. At the Second Continental Congress Writing of Declaration of Independence To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document? The Declaration of Independence, 1776 By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. 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 Declaration of Independence, passed on July 4, 1776, reflected widespread dissatisfaction in the 13 North American colonies with increased British control. Colonists especially opposed a series of unpopular laws and taxes enacted by Britain beginning in 1764, including the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the so-called Intolerable Acts. By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. The Second Continental Congress voted to write a document explaining to King George III why they needed to be independent, and to justify to the American colonists and the world the reasons for By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking their independence. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution “that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states.” They appointed a Committee of Five to write an announcement explaining the reasons for independence. 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. Explain how the Declaration of Independence reflects the social movement of the American Revolution. Consider the following in your response: Why did the colonists write the Declaration of Independence? What are some of the key concepts that the colonists wanted to address by writing the Declaration of Independence? Terms in this set (10) draft: To make a preliminary plan. precipitate: To bring on or hasten. self-determination: To decide something by one's own free will. Why did the representatives to the Second Continental Congress decide to write the Declaration of Independence? It was the only way for the colonists to prevent British control over them. Fortunately, a group of colonial representatives wrote down all of the reasons why in one document: the appropriately named Declaration of Independence. List of some of the major causes and effects of the Declaration of Independence. Several years of armed conflict eventually secured international recognition of what the Declaration had proclaimed: the American colonies became independent of Great Britain and formed the United States of America. On July 4, 1776, during the American Revolution, the Second Continental Congress adopted the famed document drafted by Thomas Jefferson that pronounced the independence of the thirteen states, previously the Thirteen Colonies. 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. The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—written largely by Jefferson—in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence. Thomas Jefferson is remembered as the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Learn about the events that led to the writing of this historic document.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |