Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. He was tasked with drafting the document during the Second Continental Congress in 1776, where he brilliantly articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent writing emphasized the principles of individual liberty and government by consent of the governed, which became a cornerstone of American political philosophy.

His role was significant not only in writing the document but also in encapsulating the ideals of the Enlightenment, which influenced many revolutionary movements around the world. While other founding fathers, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, played essential roles in supporting and promoting independence, it was Jefferson’s words that directly communicated the colonies' aspirations and desires for freedom to the world.