The BIRTH of the U.S. of America is denoted to the Declaration of Independence (1776). But what about the Constitution (1789*) as the moment?

by siggysiggy
  • This is where I have read so many articles and opinions on this question. Perhaps this a question that has many ways to direct the correct answer, but, my head is swimming on what clearly would be indictive for the true "birth" of the USA.
    • The clearest path, of which I have finalized a possible conclusion, is the nation was "birthed" from 1776 -- the government of which was born on 1789*

*Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789

Bodark43

You can legitimately say that the government that exists now can only be traced back to the Constitution, I suppose. But for the Country Known As The United States of America, there's the clear statement in the Declaration:

the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

That's the official notice that they were united, going to be States instead of colonies. However, for them officially calling themselves the United States of America, that first happens with the Articles of Confederation, in 1777;

Article I. "The Stile of this confederacy shall be, “The United States of America.”

If this was about trademarks, brand names, Doing Business As , and copyrights, I'd go with the Articles.