Which body adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, forming the historical basis for America250?

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The congress was a convention of delegates from the thirteen American colonies that met during the Revolutionary War. It began meeting in Philadelphia in May 1775, shortly after fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord. As the conflict developed, it acted as a de facto national government for the colonies.

On July 2, 1776, Congress approved a resolution declaring independence. It then debated and edited Thomas Jefferson’s draft Declaration before adopting the final document on July 4. The Declaration gave public expression to the political break with Great Britain and explained the principles and grievances behind it.

The First Continental Congress had met in 1774 to coordinate colonial resistance, but it did not declare independence. The Constitutional Convention was a later gathering, held in 1787 to draft the United States Constitution. Keeping these bodies separate prevents one of the most common timeline mistakes in Revolutionary-era history.