The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. More specifically, the Continental Congress adopted this pivotal document on July 4, 1776. It declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule, articulating the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence and emphasizing principles such as individual rights and government accountability. The Declaration, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, is celebrated as a foundational document in American history, symbolizing the birth of the United States. Its assertions about freedom, rights, and democracy have had a lasting impact, inspiring not only the American populace but also global movements for independence and civil rights.