Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history, is primarily credited to Thomas Jefferson. He was appointed as the main drafter by the Continental Congress in June 1776 and was tasked with articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent prose laid out the philosophical underpinnings of liberty, individual rights, and government by consent of the governed, making it a pivotal text in the establishment of American democracy.

While George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin were all significant figures in the American Revolution and contributed to the discussions surrounding independence, they did not author the Declaration. Washington was the commander of the Continental Army, Adams was a strong advocate for independence but primarily worked on the overall strategy and consensus in Congress, and Franklin played a key role in diplomacy and garnering support for the American cause. Jefferson's unique contribution as the principal author distinguishes him in this historic context.