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The Declaration of Independence: A Monumental Step in American History

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The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the American colonies' break from British rule and established principles of liberty and equality. Drafted by the Committee of Five, including Thomas Jefferson, it laid the philosophical groundwork for self-governance and inspired global democratic movements. Its legacy continues to influence social justice and American political thought.

The Origins and Significance of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, formally adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, represents a monumental step in the formation of the United States of America. This document signified the unanimous decision of the thirteen American colonies to sever political ties with Great Britain, asserting their right to self-governance. The move was a response to years of increasing British control and taxation, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which the colonists famously protested under the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation." The Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, articulated the colonies' frustrations and aspirations, laying the groundwork for international recognition and support.
Late 18th-century scene with men in waistcoats and tricorn hats discussing around a wooden table with quills, inkwells, and parchments in a sunlit room.

The Committee of Five and Jefferson's Draft

The task of drafting the Declaration of Independence was entrusted to the Committee of Five, which included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, drawing upon his prior work on the Virginia Declaration of Rights as well as ideas from the Enlightenment, was the primary author. The draft underwent significant revisions in the Congress, balancing the need to express the colonies' grievances with the strategic aim of appealing to potential allies. Contentious issues such as Jefferson's clause on the abolition of the slave trade were omitted to maintain the support of all the colonies.

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00

The ______ of ______ was officially adopted by the ______ ______ ______ on ______ ______, ______.

Declaration

Independence

Second Continental Congress

July 4

1776

01

The document declared the ______ ______'s unanimous decision to break away from ______ ______, citing the right to ______-______.

thirteen American colonies

Great Britain

self

governance

02

Primary author of Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson, influenced by Virginia Declaration of Rights and Enlightenment ideas.

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