In what year did the United States gain independence?

The United States gained independence in 1776 when the American colonies formally declared their independence from British rule. This declaration was encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4 of that year. This event marks a pivotal moment in American history, signifying the colonies' desire to be recognized as a sovereign nation rather than subjects of the British crown.

The other years provided serve different historical contexts: 1783 marks the end of the American Revolutionary War with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, 1619 is notable for the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia, and 1865 signifies the end of the Civil War in the United States. Each of these events is significant in its own right but does not pertain to the declaration of independence. Thus, 1776 stands out as the correct answer, highlighting the birth of the United States as an independent nation.