Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document in American history that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. Jefferson was chosen for this task due to his eloquent writing style and his strong advocacy for individual rights and freedoms. The Declaration, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulates key Enlightenment ideas, asserting that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Benjamin Franklin, although a prominent figure and one of the founding fathers, played a role in the drafting committee but did not write the document itself. George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army at the time and later became the first President, but he was not involved in drafting the Declaration. John Hancock is well-known for his bold signature on the document, which symbolizes defiance against British authority, yet he did not contribute to the writing of the text. Jefferson's authorship established him as a key voice in advocating for democratic principles and laid the groundwork for the United States' founding ideals.