Which document declared the independence of the colonists from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that formally announced the separation of the American colonies from British rule. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it articulated the grievances the colonies had against King George III and outlined the philosophical justification for independence, emphasizing principles such as individual rights and government by consent of the governed. This declaration was crucial in rallying support for the Revolutionary War and establishing the United States as a separate entity from Great Britain.

Other documents listed, such as the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation, were created later to organize and govern the newly independent states, while The Federalist Papers served as a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. None of these documents served the primary purpose of declaring independence from British authority. Thus, the Declaration of Independence stands out as the definitive statement of the colonies' desire to form their own nation.