The words contained in the Declaration of Independence were some of the most revolutionary and radical ideas ever printed when the document was published in 1776. More importantly, they have been some of the most influential words in the history of the world and have helped to shape many nations.

When the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in May 1775, we had already fought the British at Lexington and Concord and affairs with the mother country were spiraling out of control. Over the next fourteen months, events would take place in America that would change the course of history.

The Declaration of Independence was America’s first and, arguably, greatest document. It not only laid out the reasons why we should leave the British Empire, but also eloquently explained a different set of rules by which a people should be governed.