Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. He was selected to draft the document as part of a committee formed by the Second Continental Congress, which aimed to formally announce and justify the American colonies' decision to separate from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent prose and Enlightenment ideals profoundly influenced the structure and message of the Declaration, emphasizing principles such as individual liberty and the rights of the people.

While George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin were all significant figures in American history and played crucial roles during the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States, they did not draft the Declaration of Independence. Washington was the commander of the Continental Army, Madison later became known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution, and Franklin was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause. Thus, Jefferson stands out as the principal author of this pivotal document.