The first part of the Declaration of Independence was the preamble. What was the purpose of this part?

The purpose of the preamble in the Declaration of Independence was to introduce the document and provide a philosophical and political justification for the colonies' decision to separate from British rule. It outlined the fundamental principles and beliefs that guided the colonists' struggle for independence. The preamble begins with the famous phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident" and goes on to state that all individuals are created equal, possess certain unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Thus, the preamble serves as a statement of purpose and sets the tone for the remainder of the Declaration of Independence.