Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, who was selected for this task by the Second Continental Congress in 1776. Jefferson's role as the principal writer involved articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. His eloquent prose and grasp of Enlightenment ideas about rights and governance gave the document its powerful voice.

While other figures, such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, were part of the committee that oversaw the drafting process and provided input, it was Jefferson's original draft that largely shaped the final version. This includes the famous preamble, which outlines the principles of individual rights and government's role in securing those rights, a concept that has had a profound influence on subsequent democratic movements.

George Washington, although a pivotal leader during the American Revolution, was not involved in the writing of the Declaration. He was primarily focused on military leadership at the time. Therefore, identifying Thomas Jefferson as the author is essential to understanding the document's historical significance and its foundational place in American democracy.