On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring the Thirteen American Colonies independent from Great Britain, who it was currently at war with. A Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson acting as principal author, drafted the Declaration of Independence explaining the decision and reasons for independence from Britain. The Congress debated and revised the wording of the document, and officially adopted it on July 4th, 1776. Watch the collection of videos to learn more about the creation, impact, and legacy of the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Hall and the Declaration of Independence
National Park Service Park Ranger Matthew Ifill told the story of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention from the room inside Independence Hall where the events took place.
