2. Historical development: The Declaration of Independence

Historical developments and consequences

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Continental Congress

Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776 and adopted the Declaration on July 4. Its language of equality and consent coexisted with enslavement and restricted political participation.

The declaration gave the war a public political justification and later supplied language used by abolitionists and civil-rights advocates.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

Thomas Jefferson drafted the principal text of the Declaration, revised by a committee and the Continental Congress in June–July 1776. Congress approved independence on July 2 and adopted the Declaration on July 4.