Movement Toward Independence

When war broke out between Britain and the colonists at Lexington and Concord, on April 19, 1775, few colonists desired independence. Most of them wanted only a larger measure of self-government within the British Empire. In June 1775 Gen. George Washington promised to work for “peace and harmony between the mother country and the colonies.” As late as September, Thomas Jefferson “looked with fondness towards a reconciliation.” Although the war ultimately became known as the…

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Resolution for Independence

Framing of the Declaration

Adoption of the Declaration

Text of the Declaration of Independence*