The major world event that took place in 1776 was the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States. This pivotal document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marking the thirteen American colonies' formal separation from British rule. The Declaration was authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson and articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III while emphasizing the principles of liberty and individual rights. This event not only sparked the American Revolutionary War but also inspired various democratic movements globally, making it a cornerstone in the history of modern democracy and governance.