What significant act did the Declaration of Independence accomplish?

The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American history that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under British rule. By declaring independence from England in 1776, the document marked the formal assertion of the colonies' desire to break free from British governance and establish their sovereignty. This act not only set the stage for the Revolutionary War but also laid the groundwork for the formation of a new nation based on principles of liberty and self-governance.

The significance of this declaration is profound, as it signified a shift in political authority from a monarchy to a government formed by the people. It articulated the core ideals of democracy and individual rights, which would later influence the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but it was specifically the Declaration that directly announced the colonies' separation from British authority. Thus, it stands as a pivotal moment in history, representing a commitment to autonomy and the pursuit of freedom.