AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Declaration of Independence (Day 48/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Declaration of Independence in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Declaration of Independence, Wikimedia Commons

July 4th, 1776 is known as the birthday of the United States of America. With the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the country officially began the process of breaking free from Britain’s rule.

Washington Promotion to Major General of Continental Army, Wikimedia Commons

While the Second Continental Congress began meeting in May, 1775, there were sharp divides over the issue of independence. Despite organizing an official Continental Army, there were still efforts being made to restore peace.

Presentation of Declaration of Independence, Wikimedia Commons

However, American attitudes shifted, especially as King George III officially declared the colonies to be in rebellion and with the publication of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.

Writing the Declaration of Independence, Wikimedia Commons

In June 1776, 5 delegates, including Thomas Jefferson, were chosen to draft a statement declaring colonial independence. Heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas, it listed grievances against Britain and expressed basic principles that justified revolution.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 and proclaimed American freedom from British tyranny. While significant, independence would not be certain until it was won on the battlefields of the American Revolutionary War.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Patriots and Loyalists in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!