Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson (April 13 O.S. April 2, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father. He served as the second vice president of the United States from 1797 to 1801 and as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence, the document that helped start the United States.

Jefferson was born into a family of farmers in Virginia. During the American Revolution, he helped create the Declaration of Independence. This document explained why the American colonies wanted to be free from Britain. He believed strongly in democracy, republicanism, and natural rights. This meant he thought everyone should have fair treatment and a say in how their country is run.

As president, Jefferson did many important things. He helped protect American ships from attacks by Barbary pirates. He also made the Louisiana Purchase, which added a lot of land to the United States. He sent explorers, Lewis and Clark, to learn more about this new land. Jefferson is remembered for supporting freedom of thought, speech, and religion. However, he also owned many slaves, which was a sad part of his life.

Early life and education

Main article: Early life and career of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, at Shadwell Plantation in Virginia, which was part of British America at the time. He was one of ten children. His father was a planter and surveyor, and his mother came from a well-known family. When Thomas was young, his family moved to another plantation, but they returned to Shadwell a few years later.

Jefferson started his education with tutors and later went to school, learning languages like Latin, Greek, and French. He also studied subjects such as history, science, and riding horses. After his father passed away, Thomas inherited some land where he would later build his home, Monticello. At age eighteen, Jefferson went to the College of William & Mary, where he studied many subjects and met teachers who encouraged his love for learning. He spent a lot of time reading and discussing important ideas with his teachers and friends. After finishing his studies, Jefferson began learning law and worked as a law clerk. He also kept books filled with notes and quotations throughout his life. Jefferson loved books so much that he built three large libraries in his lifetime, even selling one to help rebuild the Library of Congress after it was destroyed by fire.

Career

Main article: Early life and career of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson began his career as a lawyer in 1767. He worked in Virginia’s government, called the House of Burgesses, from 1769 to 1775. During this time, he tried to help enslaved people gain freedom. He believed everyone should have the right to be free.

Jefferson also built his home, Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia. He designed it himself and worked on it for many years. In 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton. They had children together, but she passed away in 1782.

Revolutionary War

Declaration of Independence

Main article: United States Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. When he was 33, he was one of the youngest people in the Second Continental Congress. The Congress met in Philadelphia after the Battles of Lexington and Concord began the American Revolutionary War in 1775. The Congress wanted to tell the world they were independent from Britain. Jefferson was inspired by ideas about rights for each person and the writings of Locke and Montesquieu.

Jefferson worked with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman to write the Declaration. Jefferson mostly wrote it alone from June 11 to June 28, 1776. The Congress made some changes before voting to approve it on July 4, 1776. The Declaration was shared with the public and read in places like Trenton, New Jersey, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia.

Virginia state legislator and governor

At the start of the American Revolution, Jefferson became a leader in the Virginia House of Delegates. He helped write laws for Virginia, including ideas about education and freedom of religion. In 1779 and 1780, he served as governor of Virginia. He moved the state capital to Richmond and worked on laws to help people and improve schools.

Notes on the State of Virginia

Main article: Notes on the State of Virginia

In 1780, Jefferson answered questions about Virginia for a French diplomat. He wrote a book called Notes on the State of Virginia in 1785. The book talked about Virginia’s land, history, and people, including his thoughts on important social issues. The book was first published in French and later in English.

Member of Congress

Further information: Congress of the Confederation

Thomas Jefferson joined the Congress of the Confederation after peace was made with Great Britain in 1783. He helped set up money systems and suggested using a decimal system for American money, which was later used. Jefferson also helped create a plan for governing when Congress was not in session.

Jefferson wrote important papers to help set up rules for the new United States. He was the main writer of a plan that said Virginia would give up a big area of land northwest of the Ohio River to the country. He wanted this land to be divided so new states could form there, not just be controlled by the original thirteen states.

Minister to France

In 1784, Thomas Jefferson went to Paris. He joined Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to help make agreements with other countries. He took his young daughter and two servants with him.

During his time in Paris, Jefferson became the main American representative there after Franklin left.

Jefferson made many friends in France, including the Marquis de Lafayette, a hero from the American Revolution. He helped arrange trade deals between the United States and France. When the French Revolution began, Jefferson let leaders of the revolution, including Lafayette, meet at his home in Paris.

Jefferson left Paris and returned to America in 1789. He supported the ideas of the French Revolution but did not support the violence that happened during it.

Secretary of State

See also: First Party System and Relationship of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson

After returning from France, Thomas Jefferson agreed to become Secretary of State under President Washington. At that time, there were big debates about the national debt and where to put the new capital after moving it from Philadelphia in 1800. Jefferson and President Washington wanted the capital to be further south, but Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, wanted it closer to business centers in the Northeast. They finally agreed to place the capital on the Potomac River, and the federal government agreed to pay the war debts of all the original 13 states.

Jefferson did not like the idea of a national debt; he believed each state should manage its own debt. This was different from Hamilton's plan for the federal government to collect state debts and start a national bank. Because of these disagreements, Jefferson almost lost his job and decided to leave the government.

Jefferson wanted America to trade less with Britain and more with France. He also wanted to reduce the influence of Spain west of the Appalachian Mountains and Britain in the northern areas, hoping this would help peace with Native Americans. With James Madison and Philip Freneau, Jefferson started a newspaper in Philadelphia called the National Gazette in 1791. The newspaper opposed the policies of the Federalist Party, which Hamilton supported through another newspaper.

In 1792, Jefferson asked President Washington to run for another term to help unite the country and protect democracy. Jefferson, Madison, and others believed in states' rights and local control instead of strong federal power.

When France and Britain went to war in 1793, Jefferson supported France. However, a French representative did not respect President Washington, which weakened Jefferson's position. Jefferson also tried to get Britain to leave their posts in the northwest and to compensate the U.S. for people who had been enslaved and freed by the British after the Revolutionary War. He stepped down as Secretary of State in December 1793, partly to have more influence in politics outside the government.

After Washington’s administration made a treaty with Britain in 1794, Jefferson used it to gather support for the Democratic-Republican Party. The treaty, created by Hamilton, was meant to lower tensions and improve trade. Jefferson argued it would give too much power to Britain and hurt democratic values, but the treaty was approved. It ended in 1805 during Jefferson’s presidency, and he chose not to renew it. Jefferson continued to support France, even during a difficult time in their revolution, believing that leaving France would harm democratic values in America.

Election of 1796 and vice presidency

Main article: Vice presidency of Thomas Jefferson

Further information: 1796 United States presidential election and Democratic-Republican Party

In the presidential campaign of 1796, Thomas Jefferson lost to John Adams but got the second-most votes. Back then, the person with the second-most votes became vice president, so Jefferson became vice president of the United States. As vice president, Jefferson worked in the United States Senate, helping with discussions and important matters. He had studied the rules for many years, so he was ready for the job.

Election of 1800

Main article: 1800 United States presidential election

Jefferson ran for president again in 1800 against John Adams. The election was very intense, with both sides saying unkind things about each other. Jefferson’s party, the Democratic-Republicans, won more votes in the electoral college. However, Jefferson and his running mate, Aaron Burr, tied in votes. This meant the U.S. House of Representatives had to choose the president. After several votes, they chose Jefferson. This showed that even when political parties disagree, the country can still change leaders peacefully.

Presidency (1801–1809)

Main article: Presidency of Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson became president on March 4, 1801, after voters chose him. He liked simple things and walked to his ceremony instead of using a fancy carriage. In his speech, he talked about unity, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion.

Jefferson chose important people for his team, including James Madison to handle foreign affairs. He also asked Dolley Madison, the wife of his friend James, to help with events at the White House.

Jefferson had many challenges as president. One big goal was to reduce the country’s debt. He worked to cut costs and taxes. He believed in a strong military but thought the navy didn’t need to be very large during peaceful times.

Jefferson supported creating schools for training military leaders and was very interested in building up the country’s library. He also worked to protect the rights of people who were not from Europe, though his actions on this were mixed and sometimes caused disagreement.

In foreign matters, Jefferson dealt with issues like pirates who attacked American ships. He also worked to expand the country’s land through the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. He organized trips to explore the new lands.

During his second term, Jefferson faced tough times with other countries, especially Britain and France. This led to difficult laws that affected trade. He also dealt with personal conflicts, including one involving his vice president, Aaron Burr.

Post-presidency (1809–1826)

After leaving the presidency, Jefferson stayed busy and wrote to many leaders. One friend, Monroe, became president later and used Jefferson's ideas from 1823 for big decisions.

University of Virginia

Main article: University of Virginia

Jefferson wanted to build a university without church control. Students could study new subjects not taught elsewhere. He believed education helped build a strong society and should be open to all based on ability, not money. In 1819, he started the University of Virginia. He helped plan the buildings and classes. The university opened in 1825, and Jefferson was its first leader.

Jefferson loved the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome and thought it showed American democracy well. The university's buildings, called pavilions, used these styles. The center had a library instead of a church, showing its focus on learning.

Reconciliation with Adams

Jefferson and John Adams were friends early on but later disagreed because of politics. After many years without talking, they started writing to each other again in 1812. Over the next 14 years, they wrote many letters, sharing thoughts and talking about big events.

Autobiography

In 1821, Jefferson began writing about his life, focusing on important events up to 1790. He wrote about his family, his education, and his role in the American Revolution. He believed society should be led by virtuous and talented people, not just wealthy landowners.

Greek War of Independence

Thomas Jefferson supported the Greek War of Independence and shared his ideas with a Greek scholar, Adamantios Korais. He advised on building a government like the United States and suggested a classical education for Greece.

Lafayette's visit

Main article: Visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States. Jefferson and Lafayette met again after many years. They shared memories and celebrated together at the University of Virginia.

Final days, death, and burial

See also: Death of John Adams

Jefferson worried about his debts in his last months. His health got worse, and by June 1826, he stayed in bed. He died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was buried at Monticello, with a simple marker he wrote himself.

Political, social, and religious views

Thomas Jefferson was inspired by thinkers like John Locke, Francis Bacon, and Isaac Newton. He liked simple life in the countryside and did not trust big cities or rich bankers. He wanted government to be closer to the people and supported keeping church and state separate.

Jefferson valued personal freedom and thought people should have the right to make their own choices. He believed a strong jury system would protect people’s rights. As president, he tried to balance power between state and federal governments. He supported public education and a free press as important for a healthy democracy.

Jefferson had his own ideas about religion. He did not follow traditional Christian teachings but focused on what he felt were important teachings of Jesus. He believed in a creator but did not agree with all traditional Christian beliefs. He supported the right for people to practice their own religion freely.

Interests and activities

Thomas Jefferson loved to learn about many things. He was a farmer who tried new ways to grow crops like tobacco, wheat, and vegetables. He also tried to grow grapes to make wine but had trouble with it. Jefferson taught himself about buildings and helped make famous places look beautiful.

Jefferson was also interested in digging up old places to learn about the past. He studied birds, natural wonders, and talked with other smart people about science. He joined a group called the American Philosophical Society to share ideas and help others learn.

Jefferson could speak many languages, including French, Greek, and German. He liked studying old languages to understand how words change over time. He also invented useful things like a special chair and a clock that used gravity to keep time. His ideas helped improve tools and made life easier for many people.

Legacy

Historical reputation

Main article: Historical reputation of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is remembered as a strong supporter of freedom and democracy. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, which helped create the United States. Many people think he was one of the best presidents because he wanted people to have more control over their government.

Memorials and honors

Further information: List of places named for Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson has many memorials to honor him. His face is carved on Mount Rushmore with three other important presidents. There is also a special building called the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., with a large statue of him inside. He has appeared on money, like the two-dollar bill and the nickel coin, as well as many stamps.

Several plants and animals have been named after Jefferson too. For example, a special flower is called Jeffersonia, and there is a fossil named after him as well.

Writings

Thomas Jefferson wrote many important documents that helped shape the United States. Some of his well-known works include A Summary View of the Rights of British America from 1774 and the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms from 1775. Most famously, he was the main author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which announced the colonies' separation from Britain. He also wrote about many topics, including a journey through France and Italy in 1787 and thoughts on the state of Virginia in 1781. Later in life, he created a special Bible focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus, called the Jefferson Bible.