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[[Image:Declaration_of_independence.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Declaration of Independence]]

[[Image:Declaration_of_independence.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Declaration of Independence; the original is badly faded]]

The '''Declaration of Independence''', unanimously approved by the second [[Continental Congress]] on July 4, 1776, created a new nation, the "United States of America." Written primarily by [[Thomas Jefferson]], it formally "dissolved the connection" between the thirteen American colonies (which were now using the name the "United Colonies") and Britain. July 4 is still celebrated as the nation's birthday.  The document enshrines the basic values of [[republicanism]] as the foundation of America; it inspired similar declarations in over a hundred countries.

The '''Declaration of Independence''', unanimously approved by the second [[Continental Congress]] on July 4, 1776, created a new nation, the "United States of America." Written primarily by [[Thomas Jefferson]], it formally "dissolved the connection" between the thirteen American colonies (which were now using the name the "United Colonies") and Britain. July 4 is still celebrated as the nation's birthday.  The document enshrines the basic values of [[republicanism]] as the foundation of America; it inspired similar declarations in over a hundred countries.