When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, a date that is celebrated annually in the United States as Independence Day. This document marked a significant moment in history as it articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule and established the principles of individual rights and government by consent of the governed.

While the document was officially adopted on July 4, the signing process took place over several weeks, with many delegates signing on August 2, 1776. The importance of July 4 lies in its role as the adopted date of the Declaration, making it a pivotal moment in American history that symbolizes the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The other dates provided in the choices relate to different events but do not represent the official adoption of the Declaration itself.