In the early 1770s, the United States wasn’t yet a country. America was made up of 13 Colonies ruled by Great Britain. Many people in the colonies were furious at the British government. They wanted more say in laws that affected them.

So in April 1775, the colonists went to war with Great Britain. The war was called the American Revolution.

In May 1775, delegates from each colony gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They met to discuss their next moves. Meanwhile, the war raged on. Colonists grew even angrier. Many wanted to form their own country.

In the early 1770s, the United States wasn’t a country yet. America was made up of 13 Colonies. They were ruled by Great Britain. Many people in the colonies were furious at the British government. They wanted more say in laws that affected them.

In April 1775, the colonists went to war with Great Britain. The war was called the American Revolution.

In May 1775, delegates from each colony got together. They met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They planned their next moves. Meanwhile, the war raged on. Colonists grew angrier. Many wanted to start their own country.

In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration. Other delegates made some key changes to it.

The document said the colonists no longer wanted to be ruled by Great Britain. It also listed the reasons why.

“It’s the official statement that says we want to be our own nation,” explains Rebecca Franco. She works at the Museum of the American Revolution.

The document outlined Americans’ basic rights too. They include people’s right to do what makes them happy.

On July 2, the delegates voted to separate from Great Britain. Two days later, they officially approved the Declaration. That’s why we celebrate July 4 as Independence Day.

In June 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft. Other delegates made some key changes to it.

The document said the colonists didn’t want to be ruled by Great Britain anymore. It listed the reasons why.

“It’s the official statement that says we want to be our own nation,” says Rebecca Franco. She works at the Museum of the American Revolution.

The document listed Americans’ basic rights too. They include people’s right to do what makes them happy.

On July 2, the delegates voted. They would separate from Great Britain. Two days later, they approved the Declaration. That’s why July 4 is Independence Day.