Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence announced that the American colonies were free from British rule.
Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, it states that all people are created equal and have unalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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You can see the original Declaration at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Why It Still Matters
Its ideals of equality and self government have inspired freedom movements in America and around the world.