Who Wrote The Declaration Of Independence

who wrote the declaration of independence
who wrote the declaration of independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, holds a significant place in American history. While Thomas Jefferson is commonly credited as its author, the truth is more complex. Let’s explore the origins of this influential document.

The Committee and the Drafting Process

The drafting of the Declaration was a collaborative effort. A committee consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston was appointed to draft the document. As an eloquent writer, Jefferson took the lead in composing the initial draft. However, the document went through several rounds of edits by the other committee members and the entire Congress before its final version.

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From Anonymity to Renown

At the time of its adoption, Jefferson’s authorship of the Declaration was not widely known. It was during the years between 1776 and 1826 that Jefferson’s role as its author gained recognition. Robert M.S. McDonald suggests that the evolving political landscape and changing perceptions of authorship and authority played a crucial role in Jefferson’s growing fame as the author of the Declaration[^1].

Initially, the Declaration was seen as a collective statement of consensus by the thirteen states. It represented their unanimous commitment to independence and was valued for the soundness of its arguments rather than individual authorship. However, as partisan divisions grew after the Revolutionary War, the Declaration became a weapon in political warfare. Jefferson’s association with the document gradually elevated his fame, which didn’t sit well with some, including John Adams[^1].

Acknowledgment and Legacy

Jefferson, known for his humility and adherence to 18th-century values, wasn’t quick to claim his status as the “scribe of independence” publicly. It wasn’t until the last year of his life that he embraced his role in writing the Declaration. In the spirit of the time, sublimation of self and political disinterestedness were considered virtuous, and self-promotion was not encouraged. This stands in contrast to the 19th-century culture of personal branding[^1].

On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, July 4, 1826, both Jefferson and Adams, who had once been political rivals, passed away. Their deaths on the same day added a dramatic touch to the legacy of the Declaration[^1].

In the end, while we recognize Jefferson as the author of the Declaration of Independence, it is important to acknowledge the intellectual influences that shaped the document. Ideas from philosophers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as the long struggle for English civil liberties, all contributed to the foundation of liberty expressed in the Declaration[^1].

FAQs

Q: Who drafted the initial version of the Declaration of Independence?
A: Thomas Jefferson, along with the assistance of a committee consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, drafted the initial version of the Declaration.

Q: When did Thomas Jefferson publicly acknowledge his role in writing the Declaration of Independence?
A: Jefferson publicly embraced his status as the author of the Declaration only in the last year of his life.

Q: Who signed the Declaration of Independence?
A: Fifty-six members of Congress signed the Declaration, with one signing as late as November.

Conclusion

The authorship of the Declaration of Independence has been a topic of historical exploration and debate. While Thomas Jefferson’s role as its author has become widely accepted, it is essential to appreciate the collaborative nature of its creation and the philosophical influences that underpin its ideals. The Declaration of Independence remains a cornerstone of American history, symbolizing the courage and conviction of the founding fathers who fought for freedom and independence.

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[^1]: McDonald, R.M.S. (2002). Who Wrote the Declaration of Independence? Journal of the Early Republic, 22(2), 205-233. Retrieved from JSTOR.

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