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 "60 Minutes" segment takes viewers behind the scenes at the National Archives, showcasing how experts utilize conservation science, security, and technology to preserve cornerstone records, such as the original Declaration of Independence, for future generations.
This documentary traces how the Declaration’s language of liberty resonated through more than 100 independence movements worldwide, demonstrating how a single revolutionary text helped redefine notions of self-rule, rights, and legitimacy across centuries.
Forced on King John by rebellious barons, the Magna Carta established limits on royal power and the principle that rulers are subject to law. Discover how this foundational text later influenced the development of constitutional government and modern human rights traditions.
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