What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

The primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to announce independence from Great Britain. This historic document, adopted on July 4, 1776, formally stated the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule. It articulated the grievances the colonies had against King George III and the British government, expressing the colonies' desire for self-governance and freedom. By declaring independence, the document not only signaled the end of colonial allegiance but also laid the foundation for the establishment of a new nation based on principles of liberty and equality.

While other options relate to significant themes and aspects of governance and rights, they do not capture the main intent of the Declaration. For instance, although the Declaration does reference the rights of citizens and outlines grievances, its fundamental aim was to proclaim the colonies as a separate entity from Great Britain, thereby setting the stage for the formation of the United States.