360The United States declares independence
On 4 July 1776, representatives of thirteen American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing their separation from Britain and the birth of the United States. Largely written by Thomas Jefferson, it stated that all men are created equal with rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Americans celebrate the date as Independence Day.
By the 1770s, many colonists in British North America objected to taxes and laws made by a parliament in which they had no representatives. Fighting broke out in April 1775.
The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for independence on 2 July 1776 and adopted the Declaration of Independence on 4 July. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, which was edited by a committee including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
The Declaration argued that governments get their power from the consent of the governed, and listed the colonists' complaints against the British king.
The war continued until 1781, and Britain recognised American independence in the Treaty of Paris in 1783. In 1787, the United States wrote its Constitution, which is still in force.
The Declaration's ideas influenced movements for self-government in many other countries. In the United States, 4 July is celebrated each year as Independence Day.
- 1775
- Fighting begins
- 4 July 1776
- Declaration adopted
- 1783
- Treaty of Paris recognises independence
- 1787
- US Constitution written
Sources: National Archives (US) · Library of Congress · Britannica.