Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, who was a key figure in the American Revolution and the third President of the United States. Jefferson was chosen to draft the document because of his eloquent writing style and strong ideological beliefs in individual rights and self-governance.

The Declaration, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule, emphasizing concepts such as equality, rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson's philosophical influences, including Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, are evident in the text, showcasing the values and aspirations of the emerging nation.

While other founding fathers, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, played significant roles in shaping the United States, they were not responsible for writing the Declaration of Independence. Washington was the commander of the Continental Army, Franklin was a diplomat and inventor, and Madison was known for his contributions to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but Jefferson was the principal author of this critical document in American history.