USA What year was the U.S. founded?

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The United States was founded on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, officially separating the American colonies from British rule. This date is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the U.S.

However, the U.S. Constitution, which established the federal government, was adopted on September 17, 1787, and went into effect on March 4, 1789 when the first Congress convened.

The Founding of the United States​

The United States was officially founded on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. This marked the 13 American colonies’ formal separation from British rule under King George III.

Key Events Leading to the Founding​

1. Colonial Resistance (1765-1775)
   • The British imposed taxes like the Stamp Act (1765) and the Tea Act (1773), sparking protests such as the Boston Tea Party.
   • Tensions escalated, leading to the first battles of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord in April 1775.
2. Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
   • Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence justified the colonies’ break from Britain.
   • It stated that "all men are created equal" and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
3. American Revolution (1775-1783)
   • The war for independence lasted until 1783, when the Treaty of Paris officially recognized the U.S. as an independent nation.
4. Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)
   • The first U.S. government operated under the Articles of Confederation, which created a weak central government.
5. U.S. Constitution (1787-1789)
   • The Constitutional Convention in 1787 drafted the U.S. Constitution, which established the structure of the federal government.
   • It was ratified in 1788 and took effect on March 4, 1789, when the first U.S. Congress convened.
   • George Washington became the first U.S. President on April 30, 1789.

Key Founding Documents​

• Declaration of Independence (1776) → Declared independence from Britain.
• Articles of Confederation (1781) → First attempt at government, but was weak.
• U.S. Constitution (1787-1789) → Created the current system of government.
• Bill of Rights (1791) → First 10 amendments protecting individual liberties.

Conclusion​

While the U.S. was founded on July 4, 1776, the government took shape over time, culminating in the adoption of the Constitution in 1789. This laid the foundation for the democratic republic that exists today.