In what year did the American colonies declare independence from Britain?

• A. 1789
• B. 1776
• C. 1620
• D. 1492

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is when the colonies publicly declared they were breaking away from Britain. The turning point is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which announced that the colonies were free and independent states.

The crucial moment happened in 1776. After escalating tensions and numerous colonial grievances against British rule, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence. The Declaration was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, signaling to the world that the American colonies were separating from Britain and beginning a new nation. This event is what many people remember as the birth of the United States.

As context, the other dates refer to different events: 1789 marks the year the U.S. Constitution was established; 1620 is when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth; and 1492 is Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas.