Fact Check: "The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776."
What We Know
The claim that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, is well-documented in historical records. The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration on this date, as noted in the National Archives and corroborated by Wikipedia. The document was drafted by a committee led by Thomas Jefferson and underwent revisions before its adoption. While the Lee Resolution, which declared the colonies independent, was passed on July 2, the final version of the Declaration was approved on July 4, 1776. This date has since become a significant marker in American history, celebrated annually as Independence Day.
Analysis
The sources supporting the claim are credible and authoritative. The National Archives is a primary source for historical documents in the United States, providing detailed information about the adoption process of the Declaration. It states that the Declaration was engrossed on parchment on August 2, 1776, but it emphasizes that the adoption itself occurred on July 4.
Similarly, the Wikipedia entry on the Declaration of Independence provides a comprehensive overview, detailing the events leading up to the adoption and the significance of the document. It notes that the Declaration was unanimously adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and outlines the context of its creation.
Additionally, a report from the Associated Press confirms the historical event, stating that the Declaration was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.
All these sources are reliable, as they are either primary historical documents or reputable historical summaries. There are no significant counterclaims disputing the date of adoption, and the consensus among historians supports the July 4, 1776, date.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this date marks the formal adoption of the Declaration by the Continental Congress, making it a cornerstone of American history.
