The Declaration of Independence was a a bitter attack against the British king for abuses said to have been done to the colonists over a long period of time. b thoughtful, cautious explanation of why independence might be a good idea if certain demands were not met. c proclamation from King George III granting the American colonists the right to form their own nation. d last effort by the American colonists to get back on good terms with England, while only threatening independence. e valid legal document under British law.