Who authored the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776?

The Declaration of Independence was authored by Thomas Jefferson, who was selected by the Continental Congress to draft the document. His eloquent writing articulated the American colonies' desire for independence from British rule and laid out the philosophical justifications for this break, drawing on Enlightenment ideals of natural rights and government by consent. Jefferson's use of powerful language and compelling arguments helped to unify the colonies in their struggle for freedom and established the foundational principles of the new nation. The adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776, marked a pivotal moment in American history and solidified Jefferson's role as a key figure in the founding of the United States. His contributions to the document not only expressed the grievances against King George III but also declared the colonies' rights to be free and independent states.