...Thomas Jefferson was one of the greatest presidents, because of his actions in office and throughout his political career, such as cutting the national debt by a third. As the third president of the United States with a long political career, Thomas Jefferson had many accomplishments. His early life, education, writings and political experience shaped his presidency. Thomas Jefferson once famously wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that 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.” How great of a president must Thomas Jefferson have been to have the citizens of the United States still live by these principles today? Thomas Jefferson's early life shaped his political career and his presidency. Born on April 13, 1743, into a prominent family of Virginia planters, Jefferson had ten brothers and sisters. Only a few of them survived past childhood. Jefferson started school at a young age and was very interested in every aspect of his education and what it had to offer. He...
Words: 782 - Pages: 4
...Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States(March 4, 1801- March 4, 1809). Other than his presidency, Jefferson was the second Vice President of the United States(March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801), first United States Secretary of State(March 22, 1790 – December 31, 1793), United States Minister to France(May 17, 1785 – September 26, 1789), Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation from Virginia(Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation from Virginia), second Governor of Virginia(June 1, 1779 – June 3, 1781) and the Delegate to the Second Continental Congress from Virginia(June 20, 1775 – September 26, 1776). In addition to all previously listed responsibilities, Jefferson was also an American Founding Father and was the most prominent role in writing the Declaration of Independence, which was formally declared on...
Words: 1092 - Pages: 5
...The first president to be inaugurated in Washington D.C was also the author of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia and grew up in a wealthy family. Jefferson could be considered one of the most talented presidents ever as he was also a scientist, musician, architect, writer and farmer. He’s even responsible for designing Washington D.C. and the University of Virginia. Before he was president, he served as Vice President to John Adams. His path to the presidency was just as interesting as his lifestyle; In the election of 1800, he tied the number of electoral votes with the infamous Aaron Burr. However, after Federalist Alexander Hamilton dismissed the common perception of Jefferson’s “fanatic politics” and...
Words: 653 - Pages: 3
...September 9, 2014 Thomas Jefferson: An American Icon Thomas Jefferson is one of the most important historical icons in American history. His legacy not only resides in his actions during his presidency, but also in his contributions to the nation before and after his terms in office. One of his most famous contributions to the nation was his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence that served as a formal declaration for the U.S. to separate from Britain and become a separate nation. It was because of this document that the U.S is the nation it is today and it will serve as a permanent reminder of his hard work and dedication to the country. However, more is to be learned of Jefferson for his actions helped shape and change the American ways of life forever. Beginning with his election in 1800, Jefferson’s election was a landmark of world history as it was the first time that a peaceful transfer of power from one party to another in a modern republic took place. While delivering his inaugural address on March 4, 1801, Jefferson spoke to the fundamental commonalities uniting all Americans despite their partisan differences. He is quoted as saying, "Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.” He goes on to state, “We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists." But what made president Jefferson's first term in office so remarkably successful and productive was Jefferson’s ability to strip...
Words: 752 - Pages: 4
...Professor Morton Borden argues that despite President Thomas Jefferson’s personal affiliation with the Democratic Republican party, Jefferson was more concerned with the good of the country as a whole than his own petty sectionalist disputes, and for that reason was willing to compromise with members of the Federalist party and his own Republican beliefs to do that which he believed was in the best interest of the country as a whole. Borden argues that the nature in which Jefferson won the election was in and of itself a compromise, as his victory ultimately hinged on the support of Federalists like Alexander Hamilton. Borden argues that the Federalists’ faith in Jefferson indicates their assurance that Jefferson would compromise on his own personal beliefs if the result was ultimately beneficial to the country....
Words: 476 - Pages: 2
...Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States. He was born on April 13th, 1743 into one of the most prominent families of Virginia’s planters elite. Jefferson began his formal education at the age of nine, studying Latin and Greek at a local private school run by the Reverend William Douglas. In 1757, at the age of fourteen, he took up further study of the classical languages as well as literature and mathematics. Later, the Anti-Federalist was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1768 and joined its radical bloc. In 1775, He attended the Second Continental Congress, which created the Continental Army and appointed Jefferson's fellow Virginian, George Washington, as its commander-in-chief. Furthermore, he went on to draft the Declaration of Independence, and following that served as the Vice President of the United States to John Adams (“Thomas Jefferson”)....
Words: 1153 - Pages: 5
...Thomas Jefferson had strong political convictions, as seen through his formation of the Jeffersonian political party. However, throughout his presidency he often exercised principles of the opposing Federalist party. Jefferson effectively became a moderate during his presidency, both adhering to and straying from his earlier philosophies. National government was a dangerous necessity meant benefit and protect the citizens, however it must be closely watched. Jeffersonian ideology stated that a weak central government and strong state and local government were necessary to uphold the Union. While downsizing the standing navy should have hindered the nation, the existing fleet was able to suppress the threat in the First Barbary War. (Doc D)...
Words: 350 - Pages: 2
...reveal what they know about Thomas Jefferson, most responses would include mention of his presidency, his involvement with the founding fathers, and Monticello, his home in Virginia. The majority of students in the United States, college students included, have little to no knowledge of Jefferson’s personal life, as many historical records skim over the details. Although Jefferson was a fascinating president and founding father, his intrigue to historians extends into his personal life, in which he fathered many children, and lived a complicated life. Jon Meacham, an author and historian, uncovers these details in his book, Thomas Jefferson: President & Philosopher. In accordance with the modern practice of leaning towards biased history, or purifying details for teaching purposes, Meacham’s strong depiction of Thomas Jefferson’s personal life is...
Words: 1393 - Pages: 6
...This meeting was intended for Jefferson to discuss about plans pertaining to the new government with James Monroe and the site of the capital. Monroe stopped Hamilton and his actions with the government already. This incident damages the relationship between the two. Another situation is that these men already had their own set ideologies and acts to pass within the government. While Hamilton did have allies, he and Jefferson founded their own group in secret. This was named as the Compromise of 1790. Chapter 3 was based on the topic of slavery. Thomas Scott and James Jackson supported slavery at the time. Slavery was discussed with its pros and cons such as the economic yield from it, but the morality against it. To remove all the negative emotion with this topic, the men agreed to make Congress not have the ability to remove slavery. Benjamin Franklin opposed this but had his hands tied because he feared of the southern states’ secession due to...
Words: 608 - Pages: 3
...Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson was a very important and key person in the founding and early stages of the United States. His place in American history and the founding of America is quite permanent, many events of his personal life are much more controversial. Thomas Jefferson accomplished many things in his time as president of the United States. Firstly, though not truly an accomplishment, Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in the newly build Washington D.C.2,5 In his presidency Jefferson out an end to barbaric pirate attacks upon U.S. shipping in the Mediterranean Sea.1 When the Napoleonic wars broke out in France the U.S. had to make the decision on where to stand in the wars. Jefferson chose neutrality, Britain...
Words: 589 - Pages: 3
...of the United States was Thomas Jefferson. During Thomas Jefferson’s terms as president he removed taxes on whiskey and other internal taxes in order to lessen the eighty three million dollars of national debt. Jefferson lessened the national debt from eighty three million dollars to fifty seven million over the course of his two terms. He tried to keep the United States in a peaceful position by remaining out of the Napoleonic Wars. Thomas Jefferson’s greatest accomplishment was the doubling of United States territory by approving the Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase gave us either part or all of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Louisiana. Jefferson arranged for the exploration and mapping of the uncharted territory gained in the Louisiana Purchase. He employed his personal secretary Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to be...
Words: 522 - Pages: 3
...11-3-14 Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States from 1801 – 1809. He was born in 1743 at Shadwell, Virginia. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence, and a founding father to the United States. Thomas Jefferson practiced law and served in local government. In 1776 he was picked to draft the Declaration of independence. He went through many drafts, he made sure to include that all men are equal with equal rights despite the status or wealth of the person. He also included in the Declaration of Independence that people have the right to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”. The original quote in the draft had “and Property” but the issue of slavery was being brought up at the time...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...Jefferson’s Purchas and the United States Government The Louisiana Purchase was a great event in the history of the United States. From this one act the size of the nation was more than doubled and one of the greatest enemies of America, “Napoleon” was removed as a threat. More than ever, the Louisiana Purchase was the greatest achievement of the president Thomas Jefferson. Because adding the new territory to the United States Jefferson held new land for the expansion of future Americans. Also, Jefferson felt that the purchase of Louisiana would ensure the rustic nature of the United States and prevent the degeneration which had befallen classical Republican governments. Jefferson was sure that the Louisiana territory would promote the development of an honorable Republican population. Due to these reasons I will show how Jefferson was justified in his purchasing of the Louisiana territory. Napoleon Bonaparte’s decision to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States doubled the size of the USA and secured the port of New Orleans. This expanded trade for states bordering the Mississippi. Napoleon must have started to realize he would have quite a battle on his hands if he were to advance troops on the soil of North America. Louis-Andre Pichon was in charge of all general affaires to the United States from 1801 to 1805. He sent regular messages to Napoleon regarding the feelings of Americans on various topics of French interest, especially ones dealing about the Louisiana...
Words: 1279 - Pages: 6
...Thomas Jefferson By: Jamie M. Narron American History I Instructor Dr. Alan Lamm Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at Shadwell, his family’s farm in Albemarle County, Virginia. Thomas was the third child in the family of 10 children, six girls and 4 boys. His father, Peter Jefferson had many jobs during his life; he served as a surveyor, sheriff, colonel of militia, and member of the House of Burgess. His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, came from the one of the oldest families in Virginia. [1] Thomas grew up as any normal young colony boy would. His interest included hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and canoeing. All the children learned to play the violin and to appreciate music. Peter Jefferson taught Thomas to read and write, and to keep the farm accounts. [1] At the age of nine Thomas began his studies in local schools, and went to live with a nearby Scottish clergyman, who taught him Latin, Greek, and French. [1] At the age of fourteen Thomas Jefferson’s father passed away. Thomas being the oldest son became the head of the family. His inheritance included Shadwell with its 30 slaves and more than 2, 500 acres of land. John Harvey, Thomas’s guardian, managed the estate. [1] After Thomas’s father died, he entered the school of the Reverend James Maury, near Charlottesville. Thomas Jefferson was a remarkable genius, he enjoyed a large number of pursuits ranging from reading the works of Greek and Roman authors, and he read these in their own...
Words: 2611 - Pages: 11
...The Louisiana Purchase had many advantages and disadvantages including moral dilemmas for President Thomas Jefferson that made him go against his own beliefs. The Louisiana Purchase almost doubled the size of the United States and it wasn’t that expensive, but nowhere in the constitution does it say a president can acquire land using funds because a president doesn’t have that kind of power and, President Jefferson was very fond of the Constitution, yet he went against it so he could buy it. The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal in 1803 between the United States and France, where France gave around 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River to the United States for $15 million (monticello.org). 15 states were eventually made...
Words: 315 - Pages: 2
