4th of July: What does the United States Declaration of Independence say?

The Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted by the thirteen United States of America on July 4, 1776.
The document explains the reasons behind the separation of the American colonies from British rule.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Governments are established to secure these rights and derive their power from the consent of the governed.
The people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights.

The king refused to pass necessary laws and neglected the concerns of the people.
He has obstructed the rights of representation and imposed unfair conditions on the population.
The king interfered with the administration of justice and created new offices to oppress the people.
Standing armies have been kept without consent, and the military has been made superior to the civil power.
The king collaborated with others to impose foreign jurisdiction and denied the rights of the colonists.
He has quartered troops, protected them from punishment, and cut off trade with other nations.
Taxes have been imposed without consent, depriving the colonists of their benefits.
The king undermined English laws and altered the forms of colonial governments.
Our own legislatures have been suspended, and the king has declared the power to legislate for us in all cases.

The king has abandoned the colonies, waged war against them, and caused destruction.
Foreign mercenaries have been brought in to further oppress the colonies.
The king has incited domestic insurrections and unleashed merciless Indian savages on the frontiers.
Despite repeated petitions, the king has shown himself to be a tyrant unworthy of ruling a free people.
The colonists must separate from Britain and declare themselves as Free and Independent States.
They possess the power to levy war, establish alliances, and engage in acts befitting independent nations.
The signatories pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to support this declaration.