United States Declaration of Independence

Official Presidential portrait of Thomas Jefferson (by Rembrandt Peale, 1800)(cropped)

United States Central change 1776-07-04

Independence Hall Assembly Room

Writing the Declaration of Independence 1776 cph.3g09904

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Declaration House Graff House

United States Declaration of Independence

The United States Declaration of Independence is a seminal document in American history and the founding of the United States of America. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain would regard themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule. With the Declaration, these new states took a collective first step toward forming the United States of America. The document was penned by Thomas Jefferson, with contributions from other committee members such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.

Background

The push for independence came after a series of acts imposed by the British Parliament, which the colonies deemed oppressive. These included the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Intolerable Acts, all of which contributed to growing unrest and the desire for self-governance. The First Continental Congress convened in 1774 to address these grievances, but it was the Second Continental Congress that would take the radical step of declaring independence.

Content

The Declaration of Independence is divided into a preamble and three main parts. The first part is a statement on natural rights and the purpose of government, highlighting the belief that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The second part lists the grievances against King George III of Great Britain, accusing him of tyranny. The third part officially declares the colonies' separation from Britain.

Significance

The Declaration of Independence is more than a mere declaration of intent to sever political ties with Britain; it is a document that has inspired countless movements for freedom and democracy around the world. Its assertion that "all men are created equal" has been a rallying cry for various social and political movements across the globe.

Preservation and Legacy

The original document is housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. It is celebrated annually in the United States on July 4th, known as Independence Day, with fireworks, parades, and readings of the Declaration.

See Also

• Founding Fathers of the United States
• American Revolutionary War
• Constitution of the United States
• History of the United States