Thomas Jefferson is best known for writing the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history. Drafted in 1776, the Declaration declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule, articulating the principles of individual rights and self-governance. Jefferson emphasized Enlightenment ideas, proclaiming that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This document not only united the colonies in their quest for freedom but also laid the philosophical groundwork for future democratic ideals and movements, making it a significant milestone in the world’s history of human rights.