Historic US document stating the theory of
government on which the USA was founded,
based on the right `to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness'. The statement was
issued by the American Continental Congress
on 4 July 1776, renouncing all allegiance to
the British crown and ending the political
connection with Britain. Following a
resolution moved on 7 June, by Richard Henry
Lee, `that these United Colonies are, and of
right ought to be, free and independent
States', a committee including Thomas
Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin was set up to
draft a declaration; most of the work was
done by Jefferson. The resolution, coming
almost a year after the outbreak of
hostilities, was adopted by the
representatives of 12 colonies (New York at
first abstaining) on 2 July, and the
Declaration on 4 July; the latter date has
ever since been celebrated as Independence
Day in the USA. The representatives of New
York announced their adhesion on 15 July, and
the Declaration was afterwards signed by the
members of Congress on 2 Aug. The declaration
enumerated the grievances the colonists
harboured against the king, which included
his use of Indians to attack colonists,
taxation without representation, and denial
of civil liberties.