Glossary term
Declaration of Independence
The 1776 document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, that formally announced the 13 colonies' break from Britain and proclaimed the natural rights of life.
Historical context
The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. The 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress represented the Thirteen Colonies, 12 of the colonies voted to approve the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.