August 2, 1776 is one of the most important but least celebrated days in American history, when 56 members of the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. This document, which declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule, was a turning point in the fight for freedom and democracy.
The man credited with writing the Declaration of Independence is Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father and the third President of the United States. However, recent research has revealed that the actual handwriting on the vellum page above John Hancock's signature and 55 other signatories is not Jefferson's. This discovery has sparked curiosity and debate among historians and scholars.
In the decades following the Declaration of Independence, Americans began reading the affirmation that “all men are created equal” in a new light. This powerful statement laid the foundation for the country's core values of liberty, equality, and democracy. It continues to inspire generations of Americans to uphold these principles.
The Constitution is our most enduring document, but not everything you read online about it is accurate. Misconceptions and myths about the Declaration of Independence abound, leading to confusion about its origins and significance. It is crucial for citizens to separate fact from fiction when it comes to understanding this pivotal moment in American history.
By Woody Holton, University of South Carolina. Editor's note: Americans may think they know a lot about the Declaration of Independence, but there is still much to learn about its creation and impact. Recent studies have shed new light on the complexities of its authorship and the motivations behind its drafting.
July 4, 1776, marks the day in America's history when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This historic event was a bold declaration of freedom and independence, setting the stage for the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of democracy and self-governance.
The Declaration of Independence is near and dear to the University of Virginia. Literally. The University owns two copies of a rare early printing of the document, which serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's founding ideals. These copies are treasured artifacts that symbolize the enduring legacy of the Declaration.
Over the past 32 years, Morning Edition has broadcast a reading of the Declaration of Independence by NPR staff as a way of marking Independence Day. This annual tradition serves as a reminder of the document's significance and relevance in today's society. It is a powerful tribute to the values and principles that continue to shape the nation.
With its soaring rhetoric about all men being “created equal,” the Declaration of Independence gave a powerful voice to the values behind the American Revolution. This seminal document laid the groundwork for a nation built on the principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all.
