In what year was the Declaration of Independence signed?

The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, which is significant for a few reasons. This document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. The signing of the Declaration marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it formally articulated the colonies' desire for freedom and their justification for independence based on Enlightenment principles of individual rights and government by consent.

This year stands out not only for the declaration itself but also for its role in catalyzing the American Revolutionary War, which had already been underway for over a year. The Declaration's assertion of rights and government's role informed both domestic and international perceptions of the conflict, helping to unite the colonies in their struggle for independence. The other years listed either precede the signing of the declaration or are tied to later events in the Revolutionary War, making 1776 the correct answer in this context.