Who is recognized as the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson is recognized as the main author of the Declaration of Independence due to his significant role in drafting the document in 1776. As a member of the Continental Congress, he was appointed to a committee tasked with creating a statement that would justify the American colonies' decision to break away from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent writing and articulating of Enlightenment ideals about individual rights and government by consent played a crucial role in the declaration's powerful message. His ability to convey the colonies' grievances and aspirations effectively resonated with the public and has made the document one of the most important texts in American history. Other figures, such as Washington, Franklin, and Adams, contributed to the revolutionary movement but did not take on the primary responsibility for writing the Declaration itself.