Declaration of Independence (United States)

The Declaration of Independence is the document in which the Thirteen Colonies declared themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain and explained their justifications for doing so. It was ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776; this anniversary is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. A copy of the document is on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The independence of the American colonies was recognized by Great Britain on September 3, 1783, by the Treaty of Paris.

Background

Throughout the 1760s and 1770s, relations between Great Britain and thirteen of her North American colonies had become increasingly strained. Fighting broke out in 1775 at Lexington and Concord marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Although there was little initial sentiment for outright independence, the pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine was able to promote the belief that total independence was the only possible route for the colonies.

Related Topics:
1760s - 1770s - 1775 - Lexington and Concord - American Revolutionary War - Common Sense - Thomas Paine

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Independence was adopted on July 2, 1776, pursuant to the "Lee Resolution" presented to the Continental Congress by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, which read (in part): "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Related Topics:
July 2 - 1776 - Lee Resolution - Continental Congress - Richard Henry Lee - Virginia - June 7

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On June 11, 1776, a committee consisting of John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut, was formed to draft a suitable declaration to frame this resolution. Jefferson did most of the writing, with input from the committee. His draft was presented to the Continental Congress on July 1, 1776.

Related Topics:
June 11 - 1776 - John Adams - Massachusetts - Benjamin Franklin - Pennsylvania - Thomas Jefferson - Virginia - Robert R. Livingston - New York - Roger Sherman - Connecticut - July 1

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The full Declaration was rewritten somewhat in general session prior to its adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House. This version was only signed by the President of the Congress John Hancock and the Secreatary Charles Thomson. A famous signing ceremony, often attributed to July 4th, actually took place on August 2nd. (US National Archives, http://www.ourdocuments.gov)

Related Topics:
July 4 - 1776 - Pennsylvania State House

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The adopted copy was then sent a few blocks away to the printing shop of John Dunlap. Through the night between 150 and 200 copies were made, now known as "Dunlap broadsides". The 25 Dunlap broadsides still known to exist are the oldest surviving copies of the document.

Related Topics:
John Dunlap - Dunlap broadside

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On January 18, 1777, the Continental Congress ordered that the declaration be more widely distributed.

Related Topics:
January 18 - 1777

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The second printing of the declaration was made by Mary Katharine Goddard. The first printing had included only the names John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Mary's printing was the first to list all signatories.

Related Topics:
Mary Katharine Goddard - John Hancock - Charles Thomson

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Word of the declaration reached London on August 10.

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