The history of the United States begins with the establishment of the first English colonies, notably Plymouth Colony, where the Pilgrims landed in present-day Massachusetts. This marked the beginning of European settlement in what would eventually become the United States, setting the stage for the complex and often tumultuous relationship between European settlers and Native Americans.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from Great Britain. This document, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, is a cornerstone of American history and a symbol of the nation's commitment to freedom and democracy.