Why was the Declaration of Independence so important in 1776?

By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence.

Explanation:

Explanation: By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking independence.

he vetoed most reconstruction legislation.

Explanation:

After the Civil War, Radical Republicans in Congress and President Andrew Johnson differ over the terms and conditions for readmitting the withdrew states to the Union. President Johnson saw Reconstruction as an official duty and blocked congressional activities.

Congress tried to check the power of the presidency, which had extended in wartime, and took a less appeasing position toward the previous Confederate states on issues of loyalty, governance, and the privileges of black citizens. In 1867 and 1868 Congress passed four Reconstruction Acts over Johnson's vetoes.