Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is credited as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson's role was pivotal, as he artfully articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and outlined the philosophical underpinnings of democratic government, emphasizing the concepts of individual rights and the social contract.

Jefferson’s eloquent prose and revolutionary ideas reflected the Enlightenment principles of liberty and equality, making the document not just a declaration of independence from British rule, but also a foundational text for American values. The drafting process involved revisions and input from other key figures, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, but it is Jefferson's vision and language that shaped the final document, which continues to have a profound impact on American democracy and political thought.