On 28 June 1776, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Continental Congress.
Crafted meticulously by Thomas Jefferson, with inputs from fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R Livingston, the document articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and their unyielding resolve for self-governance.
This draft encapsulated the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness, laying the ideological foundation for a new nation.
The submission of this seminal document marked a definitive step towards American independence, setting the stage for its formal adoption on 4 July 1776.