Thomas Jefferson Biography
In Thomas Jefferson's case, the pen really does prove mightier than the sword. Although Jefferson served the United States first as secretary of state, then as vice president, and finally as its third president, it is as the main writer of the Declaration of Independence that he stands out in the minds of most Americans. He alone wrote the first draft of the historic document, which was then submitted for minor revisions, presented to the Continental Congress, and quickly approved on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence remains an eloquent reminder of the principles of liberty. By crafting it, Jefferson indelibly affected not only his country but the entire world.
Facts and Trivia
- Jefferson was born into a well-to-do Virginian family in 1743. He received an excellent classical education that included the study of Latin and Greek as well as mathematics, philosophy, and metaphysics. His study of philosopher John Locke played a major role in making Jefferson a strong advocate of personal liberty.
- Jefferson is one of only two presidents to serve as secretary of state, vice president, and president (the other is Martin Van Buren).
- One of the most important events during Jefferson’s presidency was the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States in 1803. After the purchase of the territory, Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the land.
- Jefferson’s life sometimes contradicted his ideals. He was a devout supporter of liberty who stated his moral outrage against slavery, yet he was also a slave owner.
- Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, fifty years to the day after the acceptance and reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Biography
A towering figure in American history, Thomas Jefferson was a revolutionary leader dedicated to the creation of a free, prosperous, and enlightened republic. Known for his democratic ideals, he played a significant role in the movement to free North America from British rule. Jefferson's life was marked by his commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and agrarianism.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Jefferson, often hailed as America's first true democrat, was born into the Virginia aristocracy. His father, Peter Jefferson, rose from modest beginnings to become a respected surveyor, county officer, and planter, ultimately joining the upper class through his marriage to Jane Randolph. From his parents, Thomas inherited not only wealth and status but also a strong tradition of public service.
Initially educated by Anglican clergymen, Jefferson furthered his education in 1760 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. A dedicated student, he completed his degree requirements swiftly and proceeded to study law under George Wythe, a renowned jurist. During his time as a student, Jefferson was a regular guest at the governor's palace alongside his mentors. By 1767, he was admitted to the bar, launching a legal career that swiftly established him as a leading attorney in Virginia.
Personal Life and Political Beginnings
Jefferson's entrance into the House of Burgesses in 1769 marked the beginning of his political journey. By this time, he had already inherited over 2,500 acres from his father, with his wealth and landholding doubling through his marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton in 1772. Despite the substantial debts accompanying his wife’s inheritance, Jefferson was considered one of Virginia's most fortunate individuals, with a growing family, a prosperous estate, and significant social standing.
Although Jefferson cut a striking figure—over six feet tall with red hair and a commanding presence—he was notably shy, preferring intimate gatherings to public forums.
Political Career and Achievements
In 1774, amidst rising tensions with Britain, Jefferson penned his first major political work, A Summary View of the Rights of British America, contributing to the political discourse supporting Massachusetts. This led to his role as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1775, where he championed the defense of Massachusetts. By June 1776, as independence loomed, Jefferson was appointed to the committee responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that remains largely his creation.
Over the years, Jefferson focused on state legislation, including drafting a new legal code and proposing plans for the gradual abolition of slavery. Despite his reluctance to introduce the latter to the House of Delegates, his legislative efforts shaped Virginia's future. His governorship, beginning in 1779, was fraught with challenges, including moving the capital to Richmond and confronting a British invasion.
Post-Governorship and Diplomatic Service
The death of Jefferson's wife in 1782 profoundly affected him, leading to a return to politics where he worked on the nation's monetary system and territorial organization. He advocated for local governance and opposed slavery's introduction into new territories. His proposals, though partially adopted, laid the groundwork for the Land Ordinances that followed.
In 1785, Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as the U.S. Minister to France, a position that enriched his architectural and agricultural knowledge. Despite his disinterest in English society, he maintained strong ties with liberal French aristocrats and supported movements in Virginia and the broader U.S. toward religious disestablishment and constitutional reform.
Return to America and Presidency
Upon his return in 1789, Jefferson quickly assumed the role of the first Secretary of State under President George Washington. He was instrumental in negotiating key political compromises and was a pivotal figure in the early organization of political opposition...
(This entire section contains 1181 words.)
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to Alexander Hamilton’s policies. Jefferson's objections to Hamilton's fiscal policies and foreign alliances laid the groundwork for the formation of the first political opposition party.
His tenure as vice president under John Adams was marked by quiet yet effective resistance to Federalist policies, notably through the Kentucky Resolutions, which challenged federal overreach. The contentious election of 1800 saw him ascend to the presidency, a triumph that shifted the political landscape.
Presidency and Legacy
Jefferson's presidency, beginning in 1801, was renowned for its popularity and effectiveness. He maintained peace with foreign nations and fostered domestic prosperity, backed by the strategic reduction of the military and the repeal of unpopular taxes. His administration is remembered for the Louisiana Purchase, a monumental acquisition that doubled the nation's size and opened the west to exploration.
As tensions with Britain escalated, Jefferson navigated complex diplomatic challenges, balancing national interests with international pressures. His second term faced increased difficulties, including opposition from both domestic factions and foreign powers.
Final Years and Enduring Influence
In retirement, Jefferson remained deeply engaged in public discourse and was instrumental in founding the University of Virginia. His correspondence with John Adams, rekindled after years of rivalry, highlighted his enduring commitment to philosophical inquiry and education. Jefferson's passing, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, marked the end of an era yet cemented his legacy as a foundational architect of American democracy.
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson's multifaceted legacy is characterized by his unwavering dedication to the principles of liberty and education. Though he lacked the systematic approach of some contemporaries, his eloquent advocacy for natural rights and republican ideals profoundly shaped the American ethos. As one of history's most quotable figures, Jefferson's thoughts continue to fuel diverse political ideologies, reflecting both his vision and the complexities of his time.
Further Reading
Boorstin, Daniel J. The Lost World of Thomas Jefferson. New York: Henry Holt, 1948. A comprehensive introduction to Jefferson's role in the American Enlightenment.
Burstein, M. L. Understanding Thomas Jefferson: Studies in Economics, Law, and Philosophy. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1993.
Ellis, Joseph J. American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996.
Jefferson, Thomas. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Edited by Julian P. Boyd. 20 vols. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1950–. A detailed edition of Jefferson's writings.
Jefferson, Thomas. The Writings of Thomas Jefferson. Edited by Paul L. Ford. 10 vols. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1892-1899. The most convenient and accurate complete edition.
Jefferson, Thomas. The Writings of Thomas Jefferson. Edited by A. A. Lipscomb and A. E. Bergh. 20 vols. Washington, D.C.: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904-1905. A fuller edition than Ford’s, beautifully printed.
Levy, Leonard. Jefferson and Civil Liberties: The Darker Side. Cambridge, Mass.: The Belknap Press of the Harvard University Press, 1963. An examination of Jefferson’s civil liberties stance.
McCoy, Drew R. The Elusive Republic. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1980. Exploration of Jefferson’s republican ideology.
Malone, Dumas. Jefferson and His Time. 6 vols. Boston: Little, Brown, 1948-1981. A comprehensive biography of Jefferson.
Miller, John Chester. The Wolf by the Ears. New York: Oxford University Press, 1977. An overview of Jefferson's stance on slavery.
Peterson, Merrill D. The Jefferson Image in the American Mind. New York: Oxford University Press, 1960. A study of Jefferson's enduring influence.
Peterson, Merrill D. Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation. New York: Oxford University Press, 1970. A detailed, one-volume biography.
Randall, Willard Sterne. Thomas Jefferson: A Life. New York: H. Holt, 1993.
Sheldon, Garrett Ward. The Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1991.
Criticism by Thomas Jefferson
