Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, who was a prominent member of the Continental Congress and later became the third President of the United States. Jefferson's role in drafting this foundational document was vital, as he articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. His eloquent language and clear articulation of Enlightenment principles, such as the inherent rights of individuals and the concept of government deriving its power from the consent of the governed, have left a lasting impact on American political philosophy.

The contributions of other historical figures, while significant, did not revolve around the actual writing of this document. For instance, George Washington was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and a key leader during the Revolutionary War, while Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in diplomacy and securing support from France. John Adams, though he was an advocate for independence and contributed to the discussions surrounding the declaration, was not the primary author. Instead, he played an important role in supporting Jefferson and advocating for the document within Congress. This context solidifies Jefferson's central role as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.