Today in History: USA declares independence from Great Britain

Today 244 years ago, the United States of America; the epitome of modern representative democracy, declared independence from Great Britain.

At the time, only 13 states made up the union.

The colonies, as they were then referred to listed a myriad of reasons in their declaration for cutting ties with the home country.

Among these was refusal of the King to assent to laws passed by Congress and human right abuses.

The second paragraph, which has become significant in the fight against racism and inequality reads:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Since 1776, the number of states in North America to join or be annexed would grow to 50, excluding the District of Columbia, otherwise known as Washington DC, the capital of the US.

The US’s influence in the world would also grow so much that today, their superpower status is undisputed.

It all began this day, July 4, 1776 when 56 delegates from 13 states told the UK, enough is enough!