What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence was and still is so important to America because it formally declared that the thirteen colonies of North America were free and independent from British control. It was the basis for the American Revolution, and for the formation of the federal government and a new United States of America.

Answer 2

The Declaration and Its ImportanceThe Declaration of Independence is the most important of all American historical documents. It is essentially a partisan document, a justification of the American Revolution presented to the world; but its unique combination of general principles and an abstract theory of government with a detailed enumeration of specific grievances and injustices has given it enduring power as one of the great political documents of the West. After stating its purpose, the opening paragraphs (given here in the form used in the engrossed copy) assert the fundamental American ideal of government, based on the theory of natural rights, which had been held by, among others, john Locke, Emerich de Vattel, and Jean Jacques Rousseau."We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.-That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,-That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."Then follows an indictment of George III for willfully infringing those rights in order to establish an "absolute Tyranny" over the colonies. The document states that colonial patience had achieved nothing and therefore the colonists found themselves forced to declare their independence. The stirring closing paragraph is the formal pronouncement of independence and is borrowed from the resolution of July 2."We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.-And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Answer 3

The Declaration of Independence, besides declaring that the colonies were now an independent nation, also set forth the reasons why we were breaking from Great Britain. It established the reasons for the colonies declaring independence.

More broadly, it's lasting significance is the philosophy stating that ALL men start out equal. No one was better due to their parents or ancestors.

The significance of the Declaration of Independence is that it let England know that the colonies were intending to become a separate country.

Answer 4

To answer briefly, it told the world that they were serious about breaking away from England. Some say it was economic reasons, in that they would never get Another Country to help them if they did not "fish or cut bait" so to speak. By signing the Declaration, they told the world, we are to be considered a separate country from now on. Without signing the declaration, the war could be seen as a revolution, not a rebellion.

Answer 5

The Declaration of Independence is very important because it is the document that founded America. It freed the colonies from Britain. The Declaration of Independence was a document that many people worked on to ensure that either the government of England respect their rights, or they overthrow the government.

Answer 6

Because the United states didn't exist until it was signed. They were thirteen American colonies of Great Britain before hand.

It marks the start of their independence from Great Britain as well as the formation of one people working together, united... The United States of America!

Here in Australia we are still a colony of Great Britain.

Answer 7

The declaration of independence used enlightenment ideas and careful logic to show why Americans wanted to be free of British rule

Answer 8

It was agreed by the British Kin for the American colinists to have self government. Signed by Thomas Jefferson.

Answer 9

It declared them that they were free.