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On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key facts:
- The American colonies were in conflict with Great Britain during the Revolutionary War, which had begun in 1775.
- On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to approve independence from Britain.
- ™ On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence.
- The Declaration was mainly drafted by Thomas Jefferson, with input from a committee that included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
- The document stated that the 13 colonies considered themselves free and independent states.
- It argued that governments get their power from the consent of the governed and that people have natural rights, including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
- The Declaration listed grievances against King George III, explaining why the colonies believed independence was justified.
- The document was not signed by everyone on July 4; many delegates signed it later, with the best-known signing occurring on August 2, 1776.
- July 4 became celebrated as Independence Day because it was the date the Declaration was officially adopted.
In short, July 4, 1776, marks the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the public assertion that the 13 American colonies were no longer under British rule.