I believe American history began in Philadelphia on July 4th 1776. It was here that colonists led by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison signed the Declaration of Independence. Up to this time it could be argued that what had taken place was part of British colonial history and not American history. This document formally ended the colonist's British citizenship. Previous to this date these men considered themselves British subjects who owed their loyalty to the laws and crown of England. They made this choice based on the principles of justice, equality, and the right for all people to be free. This revolutionary act was unique in the history of the world at that time. Based on the vision and leadership of these men, this document was one of the foundations upon which this country was born, and what I consider to be the beginning of American history.
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