Who was the main author or declaration of independent?

While the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson is credited as the primary author. He was tasked with drafting the document, and his original draft was largely accepted with only minor edits from other members of the committee.

However, it's important to remember that the Declaration of Independence was a collaborative effort. The committee that reviewed Jefferson's draft included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. They made some significant changes, including:

* Removing references to slavery: Jefferson's original draft condemned King George III for his role in the slave trade, but this was removed due to objections from Southern delegates.

* Strengthening the language on natural rights: The committee added the famous phrase "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

* Reorganizing the document: The committee rearranged the document to focus more on the rights of the colonists and less on the specific grievances against King George III.

While Jefferson's name is most closely associated with the Declaration, it was ultimately the product of a collective effort by the committee and the Continental Congress.