The Declaration of Independence was authored by Thomas Jefferson. Drafted in 1776 during the Second Continental Congress, the document articulated the American colonies' desire to break free from British rule. Jefferson's eloquent writing emphasized principles such as individual rights and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration not only served as a formal statement of independence but also laid the foundation for American democracy, expressing the colonies' belief in self-governance and liberty. It remains one of the most significant texts in American history.