Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. As a member of the Second Continental Congress and a leading figure in the American Revolution, Jefferson was tasked with drafting this important document. His eloquent writing articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and set forth the foundational principles of individual liberty and government by consent of the governed. Jefferson's philosophical influences, particularly from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, can be seen in its assertions of natural rights and the right of the people to alter or abolish oppressive government.

Understanding Jefferson’s role underscores the significance of the Declaration as not only a statement of independence but also as a philosophical document that has influenced democratic thought worldwide.