Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence did not call for the abolition of the slave trade; instead, it focused on establishing the colonies' natural rights, criticizing British policies, and accusing King George III of tyranny.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Declaration of Independence did several things but did not call for the abolition of the slave trade. This seminal document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, drew upon Enlightenment principles and philosophy, including natural rights articulated by John Locke. It served as an appeal to the sympathies of the English people and an accusation of tyranny against King George III. One of its purposes was to articulate the reasons the American colonies sought to separate from Britain. Moreover, it criticized various British policies and acts, including the Quebec Act of 1774, accusing the Crown of establishing tyranny over the States. However, it did not explicitly call for an end to the slave trade, which remained a contentious and unresolved issue at the time.
In summary, the Declaration of Independence appealed to the philosophy of natural rights, criticized the provisions of the Quebec Act, accused George III of tyranny, and sought the sympathies of the English people, but did not call for the abolition of the slave trade.