Declaration of Independence

Read the historic document that declared America's independence and articulated enduring principles of liberty and self-government. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1776, it announced the thirteen American colonies' decision to separate from Great Britain and established a powerful statement about liberty, equality, individual rights, and representative government. Primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration explains the philosophical principles behind independence and presents a detailed list of grievances against King George III.
Its argument connects government with the protection of fundamental rights and asserts the people's right to change a government that fails to serve those purposes. Beyond its immediate historical purpose, the Declaration has become an enduring symbol of freedom, self-government, equality, and human rights. Its language and ideas have influenced American political thought and generations of discussions about liberty and democracy. For readers interested in American history, political philosophy, founding documents, constitutional history, liberty, democracy, and the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence remains essential reading. Explore the document that announced the birth of the United States.
Read the Declaration of Independence today and discover the historic principles of liberty, equality, rights, and self-government that shaped a nation.