Who Was Thomas Jefferson? The Life and Legacy of America's Third President

Who Was Thomas Jefferson? (Who Was?)

by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11897 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	108 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, at Shadwell, his family's plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia. He was the third of ten children born to Peter Jefferson, a successful planter and surveyor, and Jane Randolph Jefferson. Jefferson's father died when he was 14 years old, and he inherited his father's 5,000-acre plantation, which he named Monticello.

Jefferson was a precocious child, and he began his formal education at the age of 5. He attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he studied law, philosophy, and the classics. After graduating from college, Jefferson returned to Monticello to practice law. He also served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he quickly became a leader of the American Revolution.

In 1776, Jefferson was appointed to the Continental Congress, where he helped to draft the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was a bold statement of American independence, and it helped to inspire the American colonies to fight for their freedom. Jefferson also served as the governor of Virginia during the American Revolution, and he helped to lead the state to victory.

After the American Revolution, Jefferson returned to Monticello, where he continued to write and farm. He also served as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington. In 1800, Jefferson was elected president of the United States. He served two terms in office, and during that time he oversaw the Louisiana Free Download, which doubled the size of the United States. Jefferson also founded the University of Virginia, which is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States today.

Jefferson retired to Monticello in 1809, where he continued to write and farm until his death on July 4, 1826. Jefferson is considered to be one of the most important figures in American history, and his legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

Jefferson's Beliefs

Jefferson was a man of many beliefs, but some of his most important beliefs included:

• The belief in democracy. Jefferson believed that all people are created equal, and that they should have the right to participate in government.
• The belief in individual liberty. Jefferson believed that individuals should be free to make their own choices, and that government should not interfere with their lives.
• The belief in the separation of church and state. Jefferson believed that religion should be a private matter, and that it should not be used to justify government actions.
• The belief in education. Jefferson believed that education was essential for a free and democratic society.

Jefferson's Accomplishments

Jefferson was a man of many accomplishments, but some of his most important accomplishments include:

• The drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was a bold statement of American independence, and it helped to inspire the American colonies to fight for their freedom.
• The founding of the University of Virginia. Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, and it is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States today.
• The Louisiana Free Download. Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Free Download in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States.

Jefferson's Legacy

Jefferson's legacy is still felt today. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in American history, and his beliefs and accomplishments have helped to shape the United States into the nation it is today. Jefferson's legacy is one of democracy, individual liberty, and education. He is a reminder that one person can make a difference in the world.

Who Was Thomas Jefferson? (Who Was?)

by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11897 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	108 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE