What year did the United States gain independence?

The United States gained independence in the year 1776, which is marked by the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. This pivotal document was drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and established the thirteen American colonies' decision to break free from British rule. The declaration articulated the colonies' desire for self-governance and highlighted the Enlightenment principles of individual rights and liberties.

The years following 1776 were significant for the young nation, as they dealt with the ramifications of independence, including military conflicts and political negotiations. For instance, the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence from Britain, was signed in 1783. However, this date signifies the official conclusion of the war rather than the actual declaration of independence.

The year 1787 is noted for the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which established the framework for the federal government, while 1791 is associated with the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights. Each of these events is vital in understanding American history, but the specific year that marks the onset of independence is 1776.