During which event was the Declaration of Independence primarily drafted?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily drafted during the lead-up to the American Revolution, particularly in the year 1776. This document, authored mainly by Thomas Jefferson, was a response to growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The colonists were increasingly frustrated with British rule, particularly in terms of taxation and lack of representation.

The draft was created as a formal statement declaring the colonies' intention to separate from British authority. This event not only marked the colonies' desire for independence but also sought to articulate their reasoning for breaking away from British governance, outlining principles of individual rights and government accountability.

In contrast, the other choices represent different historical events. The Constitutional Convention occurred later, in 1787, and was focused on creating a new governing framework for the United States after independence was achieved. The Boston Tea Party was a specific act of protest against British taxation in 1773 that contributed to revolutionary sentiments but was not directly related to the drafting of the Declaration. Lastly, the Civil War took place much later, in the 1860s, and revolved around issues fundamentally different from those addressed in the Declaration of Independence. Thus, the American Revolution is the event during which the Declaration of Independence was conceived and drafted.