1.43: Topics in History #4: The Declaration of Independence

On this day 246 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was presented by the Continental Congress, officially severing all ties between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain. The Declaration, written mostly by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, espoused the enlightenment ideals set-forth by the enlightenment philosopher John Locke, and affirmed the 13 British colonies were, henceforth, to be considered “free and independent States.” The Declaration served as a rallying cry for The fledgling American cause, but it’s passage on July 4, 1776, was anything but certain, and by early July, it’s fate still remained up in the air as pro-independence Congressmen worked diligently in the days and hours leading up to the vote on independence to ensure the Declarations ultimate success.