The document that officially declared the colonies' intention to separate from Great Britain was the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and articulated the Enlightenment principles of individual rights and government by consent. It served as a formal statement of the colonies' desire to become independent and self-governing. The Declaration was a turning point in history, not only marking the birth of the United States but also inspiring other revolutionary movements around the world as it championed the ideals of liberty, equality, and democratic governance.