What document proclaimed the independence of the colonies from Great Britain in 1776?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that officially announced the colonies' intent to separate from Great Britain in 1776. This pivotal document, authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and expressed fundamental principles of individual rights and self-governance. It not only marked a significant moment in American history by asserting the colonies' desire for freedom and equality, but it also laid the philosophical foundation for democratic values that would influence future governance.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation were created later as the first constitution of the United States, outlining the framework for government after independence was declared. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution, thus they came even after the Declaration. The Magna Carta, an earlier English charter, established certain legal rights but did not pertain to the American colonies' independence. Hence, the Declaration of Independence is central to understanding the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.