The Declaration of Independence is the founding document that formally announced the American colonies' break from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it laid the philosophical and moral foundation for American self-governance, asserting that individuals possess inherent rights and that governments must be accountable to the people. While it didn’t create a government or legal framework, the Declaration marked the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.
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This online exhibit from the Daughters of the American Revolution presents a visual slideshow of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, pairing portraits and biographies with photographs of their handwritten signatures.
This article argues that the Declaration of Independence wasn’t just a statement of separation from Britain—it was a strategic message aimed at France and Spain, designed to secure military support against a far stronger British empire.
This article breaks down the Declaration’s 27 grievances against King George III, illustrating how they were intended not only to express colonial anger but also to justify rebellion and garner support abroad.
Handwritten in gallnut ink and signed in August 1776, the Declaration endured rough handling, repeated copy attempts, and decades of exposure to air and light—leaving it heavily faded and even marked by a mysterious handprint that appeared in the early 20th century.
This video highlights lesser-known facts about the Declaration of Independence, including that Congress approved independence on July 2—leading many Founders to believe that would be the day Americans would celebrate their independence.
John Adams urged Congress to choose Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration because of his literary skill and low-profile reputation. Read Jefferson’s initial draft, which included passages later removed, including a forceful denunciation of slavery.
This National Archives timeline walks through the Declaration’s creation step by step—from early calls for independence to drafting, approval, and final signatures—highlighting the key moments that led to the colonies’ break from Britain.
This official page from the National Archives breaks down the Declaration of Independence in plain English, explaining its purpose, key ideas, and grievances against King George III, while also showing how the document was created and where it’s displayed today.
This podcast examines the Enlightenment thinkers and earlier political texts that influenced the Declaration, demonstrating how Jefferson built upon existing ideas rather than inventing them wholesale.
The 2004 film National Treasure imagines a secret map hidden on the Declaration of Independence. This article breaks down which plot points reflect real history—and where Hollywood took liberties with the document, its preservation, and the people it portrays.
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