What significant action did the Declaration of Independence undertake?

The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal document in American history primarily because it announced the United States' formal separation from Great Britain. Authored mainly by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and declared their right to self-governance. This declaration was not just a formal statement; it symbolized the colonies' resolve to become an independent nation, effectively marking the beginning of their assertion of sovereignty.

The significance of announcing independence lay in its intention to rally support for the revolutionary cause both domestically and internationally. By publicly declaring independence, the colonies sought recognition and support from other nations while sending a clear message that they were no longer under British rule. This action was instrumental in solidifying their unity in the struggle against British authority and setting the stage for the Revolutionary War's subsequent developments.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the Declaration. While establishing a new government would occur later and was influenced by the Declaration, that was not its immediate action. The Civil War and the end of the Revolutionary War pertain to different historical contexts and should not be confused with the Declaration's intent. Thus, the core significance rests in the formal announcement of