The Declaration was a war document. It was not a declaration of war—the British were at that very date amassing troops outside New York City, and the Americans were uniting for battle—declaring independence would help win the war, largely by making foreign recognition more likely but also by further uniting the former colonists. As John Adams wrote Abigail at the time, ” I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.” Yet he remained hopeful: “…through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory.” Not every nation recognizes that “all men are created equal” and are “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” But those rights come at a cost. In fighting for them we became worthy of them.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-fighting-spirit-of-the-declaration/article/2003118
