What document asserted the colonies' freedom from British rule?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that asserted the colonies' freedom from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it formally announced the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration emphasizes the inherent rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and it articulates the philosophical justifications for revolution against an oppressive government.

The Declaration was a pivotal moment in American history, as it not only proclaimed the colonies' independence but also laid the groundwork for the development of American political philosophy, asserting the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Its adoption represented a unified stance by the colonies against British authority and inspired future democratic movements around the world.