What did the Declaration of Independence assert?

The Declaration of Independence fundamentally asserted that all men have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This statement reflects Enlightenment ideals and emphasizes the belief in individual rights as a cornerstone of American democracy. The declaration was a formal statement of the colonies' intent to separate from British rule and established the principle that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, affirming that the protection of individual rights is essential for legitimate governance. The notion that individuals are entitled to these unalienable rights was a revolutionary idea at the time and has had a lasting impact on American political philosophy and the development of human rights.