What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to declare the colonies' separation from Great Britain and explain individual rights. This foundational document, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the colonists' grievances against King George III and asserted their right to self-governance. It outlined key Enlightenment principles, emphasizing that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.

By clearly stating the reasons for independence, the Declaration served not only as a formal announcement of separation but also as a powerful statement of the philosophical underpinnings of American democracy. It communicated the colonists' resolve to establish themselves as a free and independent nation, highlighting the importance of individual rights and the notion that governments that do not protect these rights can be justly overthrown. This focus on liberty and personal rights laid the groundwork for future democratic principles in the United States.