What is it?

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to explain to foreign nations why the colonies had chosen to separate themselves from Great Britain. The revolutionary war had already begun, and several major battles had already taken place by the time it was written. It isn't only a statement declaring freedom from Britain but also the idea in written form that all men are equal, have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea now is one of the largest building blocks of western philosophy.