The Declaration of Independence was created and signed by 55 delegates from all 13 colonies. Written by Thomas Jefferson, it was also signed by major figures like Samuel Adams and John Hancock.
The Declaration of Independence is the official document that colonial representatives used to declare independence from Great Britain. It served as a concrete statement of independence, and officially marks the United States as its own nation.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The hall still stands today and acts as a museum.
WHY
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
WHEN
The Declaration of Independence was written to declare the separation of the colonies from British rule. It was also used to outline grievances against the crown and what the founders believed were their inalienable rights.
The Declaration of Independence was officially signed on July 4th, 1776, which we now look to as the birthdate of our nation. However, the document itself took months to write and perfect.
Image Attributions:Dunlap Broadside [Declaration of Independence] (https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/3694394069/) - The U.S. National Archives - License: No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)