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. By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to confirm an 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. The Declaration was a formal explanation of why the Continental Congress voted to declare American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. It was adopted by the Congress during the American Revolutionary War, which commenced in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. 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. It’s a day to reflect on progress and areas for growth, particularly in ensuring equality and opportunity for every American. Independence Day serves as a unifying moment and a reminder that freedom and independence are causes worth striving for every single day. FAQs What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence? The Declaration of Independence, formally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announced the United States’ independence from Britain and enumerated to “a candid World” the reasons necessitating this separation. Footage of President Trump being asked what the Declaration of Independence means to him has gone viral on social media, several commentators suggesting he didn't know what the document was. US Independence Day 2025: July 4 history, significance, and traditions explained On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Drafted Declaration of Independence, 17761 IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, During this period the "Committee of Five" (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson) drafted the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson drafted it, Adams and Franklin made changes to it. Congress reconvened on July 1, 1776. The United States of America celebrates its' birthday on Independence Day or Fourth of July. So, how old is America this year — 2025? The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 8, 1776 Colonel John Nixon reads the Declaration of Independence to a crowd on the State House Yard (now known as Independence Square). This is the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. July 19, 1776 Congress orders the Declaration engrossed for signatures. On July 4, 1776, the United States officially declared its independence from the British Empire when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. 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. Description Every July 4th, Staten Island OutLOUD hosts a community reading of the Declaration of Independence and a conversation about our nation’s historic document. 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. The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States of America. Adopted by Congress on 4 July 1776, it explains why the United States decided to claim independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. 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, 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. Join the National Park Service in celebrating the 4th of July at Adams National Historical Park with live public readings of the Declaration of Independence at 11 am and 1 pm on July 4 at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill, home of the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces, at 141 Franklin Street in Quincy. Meet John Adams, portrayed by Michael Lepage, and lend your voice to the reading of
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