Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was selected as the principal drafter by the Continental Congress due to his eloquence and ability to articulate the colonies' aspirations for freedom and self-governance. In the Declaration, he expressed the philosophical foundations of democracy and individual rights, drawing from Enlightenment ideals, most notably the concepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document played a crucial role in articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule, and Jefferson's powerful prose has had a lasting influence on American political thought and the concept of democracy around the world.

While other figures, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, were key leaders during the American Revolution and provided support in various ways, Jefferson's role as the main author of the Declaration distinctly establishes his lasting legacy in American history.