The principal author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson. Drafted in 1776, it articulated the American colonies' desire to separate from British rule. Jefferson’s eloquent writing expressed Enlightenment ideals about individual rights and government by consent. The declaration famously stated that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It served as a foundational document for American democracy, inspiring other nations and movements advocating for freedom and self-determination. Jefferson's role as the principal author established him as a key figure in American history and values.