So how much do you know about this famous document? 1. Is Independence Day really July 2? Officially, the Continental Congress declared its freedom from Britain on July 2, 1776, when it approved a resolution and delegates from New York were permitted to make it a unanimous vote. 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 Declaration of Independence, formally The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America in the original printing, is the founding document of the United States. On July 4, 1776, it was adopted unanimously by the Second Continental Congress, who convened at Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in the colonial capital of Philadelphia. These delegates The USA Independence Day in 2025, celebrated on July 4th, marks the 249th anniversary of the nation's declaration of independence. It commemorates the Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. While the document includes many important statements, it highlights three key ideas: All men are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the government is responsible for protecting those rights; and people have the right to defend these rights for themselves and their fellow Americans. The Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas: (1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; (2) the main business of government is to protect these rights; (3) if a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a new government. The definition of the Declaration of Independence for APUSH is a foundational document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it announced the independence of the 13 Original Colonies from British rule. 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. This marked a These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Declaration of Independence Learn More The Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for 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. Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. Rare, early printings of the declaration, plus signers’ letters about their historical legacy and military matters, are part of UVA’s permanent exhibit, “Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating America’s Document.” Key Takeaways: The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, but not by all delegates until August 2, 1776. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and has inspired movements for freedom and equality worldwide. The signers risked their lives by committing treason against the British Crown. In the year 1776, the continental congress declared the independence of 13 US countries from Great Britain. To quote Abraham Lincoln, he called the declaration “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression. The same documents inspire Americans to always fight for freedom and equality. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776, was the first formal statement by a nation's people asser Discover the lesser-known facts about the Declaration of Independence, a key document authored by Thomas Jefferson and the Committee of Five from June to July 1776, to get an insight into Nine surprising facts about the iconic founding document adopted on July 4, 1776. The first Independence Day celebration with fireworks took place in Philadelphia in 1777, just one year after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. 3. The Liberty Bell Wasn’t Rung on July 4th The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is often associated with Independence Day, but it wasn’t rung on July 4, 1776. It’s perhaps the most famous document in American history — the collection of fighting words that formally severed ties with the British Empire and launched a precocious new nation into existence. But while some of its features are familiar to the public, including a few phrases from the preamble and the conspicuous signature of John Hancock, many details surrounding the Declaration of We’ve compiled 41 facts about the Declaration of Independence that will engage your students in the groundbreaking nature of this fascinating aspect of our nation’s history. You might even learn something new yourself; let’s dive in! 1. The Date of Adoption.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |