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That document, the Declaration of Independence, was finally adopted on July 4, 1776,by the fifty-six colonial representatives.

This document contains three basic principles:

x We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that theyare endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among theseare Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

x That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, derivingtheir just powers from the consent of the governed.

x That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it isthe Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form,

as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

July 4, the birthday of the United States, is one of the most important American Holidaysand is celebrated each year as Independence Day.

The Revolutionary War continued until October 19, 1781, when British General Lord

Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.