The Declaration of Independence was a justification for rebellion against their sovereign. This at a time when monarchy was the way of the western world. The Founding Fathers justified their rebellion, not as a "lawful" right - which no western country would have recognized, but rather a moral right of man. Likewise, the sovereign had a lawful right, some would add obligation, to suppress rebellion. It is only called the American Revolution because it succeeded. Had it failed, it would have been termed the "American Rebellion" and it is quite likely that the leaders would have ended their days in the Tower if not on the gallows.