Thomas Jefferson - Author of The Declaration of Indepence & 3rd U.S. President | Mini Bio | BIO

Summary

Thomas Jefferson, a key figure of the American Revolution, authored the Declaration of Independence, served as the first Secretary of State, second Vice President, and third U.S. President. Born in 1743, he was instrumental in drafting foundational documents and doubling U.S. territory through the Louisiana Purchase. His contributions include establishing religious freedom and founding the University of Virginia. Jefferson's presidency marked a peaceful power transfer and reduced national debt. He died on July 4, 1826, sharing the date with John Adams. Jefferson chose to be remembered for his role in independence, religious freedom, and education.

Takeaways

• 📜 Thomas Jefferson was a key figure of the American Revolution, known for authoring the Declaration of Independence.
• 🏛️ Jefferson held numerous influential positions including the first US diplomat abroad, the first Secretary of State, the second Vice President, and the third US President.
• 📅 He was born on April 13th, 1743, on a prosperous Virginia plantation and had a strong educational background, studying at the College of William and Mary and later law under George Wythe.
• 💍 Jefferson married Martha Skelton and had six children with her. He also had a long relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman, with whom he had several children.
• ✍️ In 1774, Jefferson authored the 'Summary View of the Rights of British America,' supporting the idea of American self-governance.
• 🖋️ At 33, Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, which was completed in 17 days and became a model for independence movements worldwide.
• 🏛️ During the Revolutionary War, Jefferson was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and served two terms as governor. He also authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, influencing the First Amendment.
• ⚔️ As president, Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, doubling the size of the US, and commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the new territory.
• 🎓 After his presidency, Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, becoming its first rector and designing its campus.
• 🗿 Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and chose to be remembered for three achievements: authoring the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and founding the University of Virginia.

Q & A

Who was Thomas Jefferson and why is he considered important to the American Revolution?

Thomas Jefferson was a key figure in the American Revolution, known as the author of the Declaration of Independence, the first US Secretary of State, the second vice president, and the third president of the United States.

What notable document did Jefferson draft before the Declaration of Independence?

Jefferson drafted 'The Summary View of the Rights of British America' in 1774, which justified the right of Americans to be self-governing.

Why was Jefferson chosen to write the Declaration of Independence?

John Adams chose Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence because he admired Jefferson's literary style.

How long did it take Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 17 days in June 1776.

What was significant about the United States declaring its independence from Britain?

The United States was the first country in the modern age to declare independence from a colonizing power, and its Declaration became a model for other nations' declarations for two centuries.

What roles did Jefferson serve during the Revolutionary War?

During the Revolutionary War, Jefferson returned to Virginia, served two terms as governor, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He also wrote the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, which influenced the First Amendment.

Why did Jefferson resign as Secretary of State in 1793?

Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State due to major political and ideological conflicts with Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury.

What were some of Jefferson's achievements as the third president of the United States?

As president, Jefferson cut the national debt in half, protected U.S. interests abroad by dealing with the Barbary pirates, and doubled the size of the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase.

What major exploratory expedition did Jefferson commission during his presidency?

Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, which became a historic exploration of American history.

How did Thomas Jefferson want to be remembered after his death?

Jefferson wanted to be remembered for three things: authoring the Declaration of Independence, writing the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and founding the University of Virginia.