American Declaration of Independence
The thirteen American colonies declared independence from Great Britain, establishing the United States of America.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document declared the thirteen American colonies free from British rule, articulating principles of natural rights and government by consent that would influence democratic movements worldwide. The ensuing Revolutionary War (1775-1783) resulted in the establishment of the United States of America as an independent nation.
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Code of Hammurabi Established
One of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, established by Babylonian King Hammurabi.
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According to legend, Romulus founded the city of Rome, which would become the center of one of history's greatest empires.
508 BCEBirth of Democracy in Athens
Cleisthenes introduced democratic reforms in Athens, establishing the world's first known democracy.
~260 BCEAshoka Embraces Buddhism
Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty, horrified by the carnage of his own conquest of Kalinga, renounced war and embraced Buddhism — transforming himself and his empire.