What were the primary goals of the Declaration of Independence?

The primary goals of the Declaration of Independence were to justify independence from Britain and rally support among the colonies and potential allies. The Declaration served as a formal statement of the colonies' intention to separate from British rule, articulating the philosophical and moral rationale for doing so. It outlined grievances against King George III and demonstrated that the colonies had legitimate reasons for seeking independence.

By explaining that people have certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the document aimed to inspire and unite the colonists in their quest for freedom. It targeted not just the British government but also sought to appeal to the sentiments of other nations and individuals who might sympathize with the American cause, thereby generating support for their revolutionary efforts.

While declaring war can be seen as a consequential outcome of the Declaration, it was not a stated goal within the document itself. Establishing a new government was also not a goal at this stage, as that would follow the declaration of independence. The creation of a national bank, proposed later in American history, was not relevant to the immediate objectives articulated in the Declaration. Thus, the emphasis on justifying independence and rallying support captures the essence of the Declaration's purpose.