What document formally declared the colonies' independence from Britain?

The document that formally declared the colonies' independence from Britain is the Declaration of Independence. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, this pivotal document articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence. It asserted fundamental truths about human rights, the concept of government by consent, and the belief that individuals have the right to alter or abolish an oppressive government.

This declaration not only marked the formal separation from British rule but also laid the ideological groundwork for the new nation, emphasizing the principles of liberty and equality. It was a defining moment in U.S. history, symbolizing the colonies' resolve to establish themselves as free and independent states. The other documents mentioned, such as the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Bill of Rights, are important to U.S. history but play different roles, such as establishing governance and protecting individual rights, rather than declaring independence.