The document that declared the American colonies independent from Britain is the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it outlined the philosophical foundations of freedom and the grievances against King George III. The Declaration asserted the colonies' right to self-governance and the inherent rights of individuals to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This bold assertion not only justified the Revolutionary War but also symbolized the emergence of a new nation founded on Enlightenment ideals. The Declaration has since served as a foundational text in American democracy and a model for liberation movements globally.