Independence declarations (e.g., Declaration of Independence of the United States)

Independence declarations are formal statements by a group or nation announcing their separation from another authority, often a colonial power. A notable example is the Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776, where the American colonies asserted their right to self-governance and independence from British rule. These declarations typically outline reasons for the split, express the desire for freedom, and articulate fundamental principles of rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Such documents serve as significant historical milestones, marking the beginning of a new, sovereign identity for the declaring entity.