Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is recognized as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. His role was pivotal because he articulated the colonies' grievances against King George III and laid out the philosophical foundations for independence, drawing heavily from Enlightenment ideas about individual rights and government by consent.

The Declaration itself is noted for its powerful prose, most famously the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," which captures the essence of American democratic ideals. Jefferson's background as a Virginia planter, his reflection on the rights of man, and his ability to communicate revolutionary ideas made him the ideal choice for this monumental task.

While other figures like John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington played significant roles in the American Revolution, particularly in their respective areas of leadership and diplomacy, it was Jefferson's pen that drafted the text that would serve as a cornerstone for American democracy and inspire numerous movements for freedom worldwide.