Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document in American history, was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. He drafted it in 1776 as a formal statement declaring the thirteen American colonies' intention to separate from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent expression of the colonies' grievances against King George III and his articulation of fundamental principles such as individual rights, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have made the document a cornerstone of American democracy.

While figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams played significant roles in the Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States, they did not directly write the Declaration. Washington served as the commander of the Continental Army, Franklin was a diplomat and founding father known for his contributions to the Constitution, and Adams was a strong advocate for independence who helped draft the document but was not the principal author. The clarity and persuasive power of Jefferson’s writing were key to garnering support for the revolutionary cause, making him the central figure in the creation of the Declaration.