The Declaration of Independence was written to proclaim the American colonies' separation from British rule. Key reasons included:
- Unfair Treatment: Colonists felt they were being treated unjustly by the British government, particularly through taxes and lack of representation.
- Desire for Freedom: The desire for individual rights and self-governance motivated the call for independence.
- Inalienable Rights: The belief that all people have certain rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) which the government must protect.
Overall, it aimed to justify the colonies' decision to break away and establish their own nation.