The Declaration of Independence In April 1775,the American Revolution began.The following year,the Continental Congress in Philadelphia asked Jefferson to write a document declaring America's independence from Britain. The Continental Congress approved Jefferson's work with a few changes.The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4,1776.The Declaration of Independence In April 1775, the American Revolution began. The following year, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia asked Jefferson to write a document declaring America's independence from Britain. The Continental Congress approved Jefferson's work with a few changes. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776