The male author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. He was a prominent statesman and a key figure in the American Enlightenment, serving as the third President of the United States. Jefferson drafted the Declaration in 1776, articulating the colonies' grievances against British rule and emphasizing principles like individual liberty, equality, and the right to self-governance. His eloquent expression of democratic ideals not only captured the spirit of the American Revolution but also influenced future democratic movements worldwide, establishing a foundation for modern political thought about human rights and the role of government.