Thomas Jefferson

Enlightenment thinking significantly influenced Thomas Jefferson, particularly through the ideas of philosophers like John Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, and Montesquieu. Jefferson's writings, notably the...

Jefferson's objections to fiction, seen as escapist and detracting from real-world engagement, still resonate today amid debates over the value of arts and humanities. While he recognized some merit...

In his Inaugural Address, Thomas Jefferson emphasized unity by asserting that "We are all Federalists, we are all Republicans," aiming to heal divisions from the contentious 1800 election. He...

The War of 1812 shifted Jeffersonian democracy by amplifying nationalism and modifying core ideals. It diminished Federalist influence, fostering Republican dominance and support for westward...

The first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence primarily employs logos and ethos. Jefferson uses logos by presenting a logical argument that it is "necessary" for the colonies to separate...

Thomas Jefferson contradicted his "strict constructionist" stance during the Louisiana Purchase and Aaron Burr's prosecution. Despite the Constitution not explicitly allowing the President to buy...

The "pursuit of happiness" is termed as such in the Declaration of Independence because happiness itself cannot be guaranteed by a government, unlike the ability to seek it. Influenced by John Locke,...

The essay's main point is that reading fiction can be dangerous to one's health. Jefferson states that, in addition to making a person less healthy, fiction also makes people unrealistic and...

Thomas Jefferson viewed slavery as morally wrong, describing it as a "moral depravity" and "abominable crime," yet he owned hundreds of slaves and believed in the "inferiority of blacks." He proposed...

Americans had been seeking their independence from Britain since the French and Indian War. The English government began to place many restrictions on the colonies, including taxes and tariffs. With...

Jefferson mistakenly believed that American neutrality in European affairs would be respected by France and England, which proved incorrect as both nations continued to impress American forces....