On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on the fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.

Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence was the official notice by the American colonies that they were willing to obtain their independence from England and they created their own future while Canada and Australia are still considered British commonwealths.

On July 1, 1776, the Continental Congress reconvened, and on the following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting.

The U.S. Declaration of Independence inspired many similar documents in other countries. It also served as the primary model for numerous declarations of independence.