Final answer:
The authors of the Declaration of Independence, inspired by Enlightenment ideals and reacting to British oppression, believed in fundamental rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They envisioned a government based on the consent of the governed, encapsulated by the assertion that 'all men are created equal,' which continues to influence American ideals and civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authors of the Declaration of Independence, led by Thomas Jefferson, held deep-seated beliefs in the Enlightenment principles of sovereignty and the natural rights of individuals. Drawing inspiration from the likes of English philosopher John Locke, they believed that people possessed inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These freedoms were non-negotiable, and any government must be based on the consent of the governed. Their resolution to create an independent nation was thus an assertion of their desire to establish a just government embodying these ideals.
These beliefs resulted from a combination of philosophical influences and the oppressive actions of the British crown, which were detailed as grievances in the Declaration itself. The document served not only as a justification for breaking away from British rule but also as a statement of foundational principles that would guide the new republic. The Declaration's powerful assertion that "all men are created equal" laid the groundwork for future struggles for equality and civil rights, and over 200 years later, this assertion remains a cornerstone of American governance and identity.