The Declaration of Independence, approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Pennsylvania, ended the debate on whether to declare independence from Great Britain. The document symbolized Americans' right to self-govern, freedom from British rule, and led to the formation of their own country. The Declaration also influenced other countries to follow America's lead, representing the right to freedom to nations across the globe. ​​​​​​​

Declaration of Independence, CUNY Academic Commons site, unknown date ​​​​​​​