What did the Declaration of Independence do?

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, formally announced that the thirteen American colonies were separating from British rule and forming an independent nation. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it declared that 'all men are created equal' with certain 'unalienable Rights' including 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' Acceptable answers on the USCIS test: announced our independence from Great Britain; declared our independence from Great Britain; said that the United States is free from Great Britain. The Declaration is NOT a law and does not establish government structure — that was the Constitution (1787). The Supreme Court was created by the Constitution. Slavery was ended by the 13th Amendment (1865).