Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

The principal author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. Appointed by the Continental Congress to draft the document, Jefferson's eloquent writing and philosophical ideas about individual rights and governance formed the backbone of this significant historical text. His ability to articulate the colonies' grievances against British rule and to express the principles of liberty and democracy resonated deeply with the ideals of the Enlightenment, making the Declaration a pivotal moment in American history. Jefferson's authorship is celebrated not only for the content but also for its impact on the development of democratic principles worldwide.

While George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were key figures in the American Revolution and played important roles in the founding of the United States, they did not serve as the primary author of the Declaration. Washington was the commander of the Continental Army, Franklin contributed to the political discourse and diplomacy, and Adams was a staunch advocate for independence, but it was Jefferson's pen that crafted the Declaration itself.