In what year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, making that the correct answer. This pivotal document was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It marked the thirteen American colonies' formal separation from Great Britain, articulating the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence and outlining fundamental principles of freedom and government.

The other years listed do not correspond to the adoption of the Declaration. In 1775, tensions were escalating leading to the American Revolutionary War, but the Declaration itself was not yet created. The year 1781 is significant for the end of major combat operations in the Revolutionary War with the British surrender at Yorktown, and 1787 marks the year when the U.S. Constitution was drafted. Thus, understanding the timeline and significance of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 is crucial for grasping the foundations of American democracy.