What did the Declaration of Independence do?

The Declaration of Independence primarily declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain. It was adopted on July 4, 1776, and articulated the grievances of the colonies against King George III while asserting their right to be free and independent states. This document marked a significant turning point in history, symbolizing the colonies' break away from British rule and their determination to establish their own governance based on the principles of liberty and self-determination.

Though other options touch on important historical concepts, they do not accurately capture the essence of what the Declaration of Independence accomplished. The establishment of the Constitution occurred later, in 1787, and the Declaration itself did not create a new government or define basic rights in detail, as those elements were addressed in subsequent documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Declaration of Independence was unique in its role of proclaiming sovereignty and justifying the colonies' separation from British authority, solidifying its significance in American history.