In January 1776, Thomas Paine released his influential pamphlet “Common Sense,” which passionately made the case for American independence. It was a hit, selling over 500,000 copies in just a few months! By the spring of the same year, the spirit of independence resonated throughout the colonies, prompting the Continental Congress to ask each state to establish its own government. They also formed a five-man committee to craft a declaration.
This declaration, mainly authored by Thomas Jefferson from Virginia, was heavily influenced by the ideas of John Locke, a champion of natural rights, and other English thinkers. It famously begins with the powerful assertion that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The second part of the document lists grievances, which laid out the reasons for seeking rebellion.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress took a historic step by voting in favor of a motion from Virginia for separation from Britain. The stirring words from this resolution were included in the final version of the Declaration of Independence. Just two days later, on July 4, after some minor tweaks, 12 colonies officially adopted the declaration, with New York giving its approval on July 19. By August 2, the document was signed.
The Revolutionary War would continue for another five years, leading to notable events like the Patriot victories at Saratoga, the tough winter at Valley Forge, French support, and the decisive victory at Yorktown in 1781. Finally, in 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the United States emerged as a free and independent nation, marking a new chapter in history!
Source - History.com
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