The commonly accepted founding year of the United States is 1776. This is tied to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen colonies declared themselves independent from Great Britain.
Brief context
Most historians and official references treat 1776 as the year the United States was founded because that is when it formally asserted itself as a new nation through the Declaration of Independence.
Some scholars also point to later milestones—like the ratification of the Constitution in 1788–1789 or the Treaty of Paris in 1783—but these are generally seen as steps in organizing and securing a country that had already declared its existence in 1776.
Key dates to know
- 1776: Declaration of Independence adopted; widely regarded as the founding year of the United States.
- 1783: Treaty of Paris ratified, with Britain recognizing U.S. independence.
- 1788–1789: U.S. Constitution ratified and the new federal government begins operating, solidifying the structure of the United States.
Simple answer
When people ask what year the U.S. was founded, the standard answer is 1776.
