Congress would work through a series of debates and revisions to create the final form that we know today. This process took a some time, with the committee formed on June 11th, and the Continental Congress reading the final copy of the draft on June 28th. They requested that Jefferson take on the task of writing the first draft and would later make edits and suggestions as needed. The other four members were Founding Fathers John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. The Committee Tasked With Creating the Document and Their EditsĪ larger committee of men was tasked with drafting the Declaration of Indepence along with Thomas Jefferson. He was also drew on the the text of the Virginia Constitution. It is claimed that Thomas Jefferson didn’t use any physical books or pamphlets when writing but worked from memory to reword ideas taken from other philosophers and historians in European history. He also declined to take personal credit for the work until much later. Historians like to point out that many of Jefferson’s ideas within the document aren’t original, and Jefferson didn’t refute this. He was just thirty-three at the time but seen as the prime candidate by his peers, some of whom may have coerced him to in order to avoid too much blame or pressure on themselves. The lead author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson, as he was encouraged to take on the first draft entirely by himself. But, there is also an engrossed copy that bears the signatures and is on display in the National Archives. The Declaration of Independence was sent out for printing shortly after its approval. There is also the question of who created the finished documents that we can see in archives today. When looking at the Declaration Of Independence, we need to consider all those involved. He can take most of the credit, but a larger committee was at work, and there were edits to the draft before the final version. There isn’t a straightforward answer here because more individuals were responsible for this document than just Thomas Jefferson. Who Authored the Declaration of Independence? Who Created the Declaration of Independence?.Are All Versions of the Declaration on Show Today?.The Engrossed Copy of the Declaration of Independence.The Committee Tasked With Creating the Document and Their Edits.
Who Authored the Declaration of Independence?.