Was the declaration of independence intended to be a formal declaration of war? why or why not?

We can affirm that the declaration of independence was not a formal declaration of war, since the war for independence had already begun one year before the text was elaborated. the war period was from 1775 to 1783 and the declaration of independence was ratified on July 4, 1776.

a big wall across the mexican border so no drugs, terrorist, or illegal immigrants can come through : )