The American colonies had been at war with Great Britain since April 1775, some 15 months, before their representatives at the Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, agreed upon a statement summarizing their reasons, philosophic and pragmatic, for severing ties.

There are some doubts on when the document was completed, with all of its immortal 56 signatures. This much, though, is certain: The various colonies were severing their relationships with their mother country only after their ports had been blockaded, their protests unanswered and their lands threatened by foreign mercenaries.

Other colonies had instructed their delegates to consider voting for independence but the Rhode Island legislature, on May 4, 1776, was the first legal body to declare independence. In Philadelphia, after much debate, the first formal action consisted of a resolution declaring “the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain.”

On June 11, 1776, Congress appointed a committee of five (Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston, Sherman) to draft a formal declaration of purpose, representing the view of “the Representatives of the United States, in General Congress assembled.” On July 2, the committee’s declaration was considered, with 12 affirmative votes and 1 abstention (New York) .

Further debate ensued, with such compromises as excluding sentences critical of the slave trade. On July 4, the final wording was unanimously accepted and sent to the printer. The full roster of 56 signatures was finally added to the Declaration on Aug. 2, 1776. But July Fourth is as good a day as any to celebrate the formal start of this nation.

— Stanley M. Aronson, M.D.