Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, during a time when the American colonies were striving for independence from British rule. Jefferson was chosen as the principal author by the Second Continental Congress because of his writing skills and his previous advocacy for individual rights and liberty. His drafting laid out the philosophical, moral, and political reasons for declaring independence, articulating the colonies' grievances against King George III and emphasizing the principles of natural rights and the consent of the governed.

While other founding figures, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, contributed to the discussions and revisions of the document, it is Jefferson's eloquent prose and clarity of thought that are most associated with the Declaration. George Washington, though a pivotal leader during the American Revolution, did not partake in writing the Declaration, and James Madison, known for his role in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, was not involved in its creation either. Therefore, recognizing Jefferson as the author highlights his essential role in articulating the values that would form the foundation of the United States.