What year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, specifically on July 4th. This pivotal document was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and signified the American colonies' assertion of their right to self-govern and independence from British rule. The adoption of the Declaration marked a momentous occasion in history, as it not only declared the colonies free from British sovereignty but also articulated the philosophical principles of individual liberty and government by consent, which would later influence democratic thought.

The other years listed do not correspond with the adoption of the Declaration. In 1775, the American Revolutionary War had just begun, and the colonies were still under British governance. The year 1781 saw the British defeat at the Battle of Yorktown, a significant event in the war but not the date of the Declaration itself. Finally, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence, but it came several years after the Declaration was already adopted.