The Declaration of Independence: The Colonies Stand on Their Own

In 1776, one year into the American Revolution, members of the Continental Congress gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence. Drafted by future U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, this document was not just a rallying cry against British tyranny, but also a statement that would provide the guiding principles of government, law, and citizenship needed to build a new country. With a striking preamble that states "all men are created equal," the Declaration of Independence set the fundamental beliefs and ideals that would shape the United States and its identity abroad. In The Declaration of Independence, examine the events that sparked a rebellion in the colonies and gave birth to one of the most famous pieces of writing in history.