What year did the United States declare independence from Britain?

The year the United States declared independence from Britain is 1776. This declaration was formalized with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a pivotal moment in American history. The document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence, highlighting the principles of individual liberty and government by consent.

Understanding the significance of this year is crucial because it marks the official break from British rule, setting the stage for the American Revolutionary War, which had begun the previous year in 1775. The outcome of this conflict ultimately led to the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation. While 1783 is significant as the year when the Treaty of Paris recognized American independence, and 1787 is important for the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, neither of those years represents the actual declaration of independence.