By issuing the Declaration of Independence<span>, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The </span>Declaration<span> summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking</span>independence<span>.</span>
The earliest of civilizations were based around river valleys. This allowed them to irrigate fresh water to their crops allowing for better farming and therefore, bigger and better civilizations.
