Which document announced independence from Britain?

• A. Declaration of Independence.
• B. Northwest Ordinance.
• C. Articles of Confederation.
• D. Treaty.

Answer: (A)

Identifying the document that publicly declared independence. The Declaration of Independence is the formal statement adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776 that announces the colonies’ break from Britain, explains why they’re entitled to independence, and asserts the rights of the people as a justification for separation. It’s the document that announces the separation itself, not merely ends a war or creates a government.

The other items serve different roles: the Northwest Ordinance set up governance for new western territories; the Articles of Confederation established the first national framework for the United States; a treaty ends hostilities and recognizes outcomes after the fact, rather than announcing independence itself.