Which document announced the American colonies' independence from Great Britain?

The document that announced the American colonies' independence from Great Britain is the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal text, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence and formally declared their separation from British rule. It was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson and expressed Enlightenment ideals about individual rights and government deriving its power from the consent of the governed.

The Declaration served not only as a statement of independence but also as a foundation for the principles of democracy and freedom that would influence future governance in the United States. It outlined grievances against King George III, showcasing the colonies' desire for self-determination and the pursuit of liberty.

Other documents mentioned, such as the Articles of Confederation, the Bill of Rights, and The Federalist Papers, served different purposes in the formation and governance of the United States post-independence. The Articles of Confederation established the first governing framework for the United States, the Bill of Rights enumerated specific freedoms and protections for individuals, and The Federalist Papers were a series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution. None of these were involved in the declaration of independence itself.