Introduction
The American Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States of America. It was the first formal statement that declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain. The declaration was signed by the representatives of the thirteen colonies on a historic day that changed the course of history.
Background
The American Revolutionary War began in 1775, and it lasted for more than eight years. During this period, the colonies were engaged in a war against Great Britain. The war was fought for many reasons, including taxation without representation, the Stamp Act, and the Quartering Act.
The colonies were tired of being ruled by a distant government that did not represent their interests. They believed that they deserved to have the same rights as British citizens, and they were willing to fight for their freedom.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, who was a delegate from Virginia. He was appointed to a committee that was responsible for drafting the document. The committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
Jefferson was chosen to write the document because he was an excellent writer and a strong advocate for independence. He spent several weeks drafting the document and presented it to the Continental Congress on June 28, 1776.
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
After the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it was time for the representatives to sign the document. The signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on August 2, 1776.
Although the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, not all of the representatives were present to sign the document. Some representatives were still traveling to Philadelphia, and others had to attend to other matters.
It took several weeks for all of the representatives to sign the document. The last representative to sign the Declaration of Independence was Thomas McKean, who signed it on January 18, 1777.
The Legacy of the Declaration of Independence
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a significant event in American history. It marked the beginning of a new era and set the stage for the creation of a new nation.
The Declaration of Independence is a powerful document that has inspired people around the world to fight for their freedom and independence. It has become a symbol of democracy and human rights, and it continues to be celebrated every year on July 4th.
Conclusion
The American Declaration of Independence was signed on August 2, 1776. It was a historic day that changed the course of history and set the stage for the creation of a new nation. The signing of the Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of a new era and inspired people around the world to fight for their freedom and independence.