Declaration of Independence
1776-07-04Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniahigh importance
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It declared that the thirteen colonies were free and independent states, no longer under British rule. The document articulated the philosophy of natural rights, that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Key Takeaways
1
Established the principle of natural rights
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Declared independence from Britain
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Jefferson was the principal author