Summary
Thomas Jefferson: A Founding Father of American Democracy
Thomas Jefferson was a founding father of the United States who defined the principles of American democracy, with accomplishments as a farmer, lawyer, scientist, and author of the Declaration of Independence. His words, such as “all men are created equal,” have inspired generations to hope and action, including influencing democratic revolutions worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 on his family’s Virginia plantation, where tobacco was the primary crop and slaves were the main labor force. His family was part of the wealthy Virginia class of tobacco planters, and his early life in the Piedmont filled him with a love for nature and a scientific fascination with its wonders. Jefferson’s father, Peter, was a self-educated man who valued knowledge and ensured his children received tutoring from an early age.
After attending a one-room schoolhouse, Jefferson continued his education with a local parson, studying Latin, Greek, music, and the sciences, becoming a proficient classical scholar. His childhood was cut short when his father died in 1757, leaving him a significant inheritance, but he continued his education as his father had wished. Jefferson’s passion for music connected him to others, including Patrick Henry, with whom he had a close friendship and alliance in the Revolution, but later a serious break.
Influences and Career
Jefferson was influenced by the “Williamsburg trio”: William Small, who introduced him to Enlightenment philosophies, George Wythe, a learned attorney who guided his self-study, and Governor Francis Fauquier, who shared interests in the arts. Jefferson’s studies, 15 hours a day, covered various subjects including law, politics, and science, shaping his views on life and government, particularly through the works of Francis Bacon, Sir Isaac Newton, and John Locke.
Jefferson spent his days studying and his evenings reading, and was invited to the governor’s palace, where he engaged in discussions on politics, philosophy, and art. He established a law practice, gained a reputation as a fair and compassionate lawyer, and began planning his dream home, Monticello, which would be a decades-long experiment and hobby for him. In 1769, he was voted into the House of Burgesses, following in his father’s footsteps.
Politics and the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson aligned with those resisting British control and proposed legislation to reduce slavery, arguing all men are born free. His first bill allowed slave owners to free individual slaves, but was met with opposition. Jefferson remained a firm advocate of gradual emancipation, believing all men are created equal, and viewed the slave trade as a war on human nature.
The First Continental Congress considered Jefferson’s proposals too radical, but by the spring of 1775, the battle of Lexington and Concord sparked the Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress convened in June 1775, where Jefferson met influential figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, marking the beginning of significant relationships and collaborations. Jefferson played a key role in the Continental Congress, writing important documents, including a message to the Colonial Army.
At 33, Jefferson was tasked with drafting a formal declaration of independence due to his reputation for writing. Despite initially trying to pass the responsibility to Adams, Jefferson accepted the challenge, aiming to clearly articulate the case for American independence in a way that would resonate with people. The final version of the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Congress, establishing the principles that all men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
Personal Life and Later Career
Thomas Jefferson moved into Monticello in 1770 and began courting Martha Wayles Skelton, a bright and well-read widow. They shared a love of music and were married on New Year’s Day, 1772. After the wedding, they spent happy months at Monticello, and Martha gave birth to a baby girl named after her, marking a joyful period in Jefferson’s life.
Jefferson’s life was disrupted by the deaths of his brother-in-law and Martha’s father, John Wayles, which brought new responsibilities, including caring for his sister’s family and managing inherited slaves, land, and debt. Tragedy struck when Martha died at 33, after a difficult pregnancy, leaving Jefferson distraught. He found some respite in France while serving as US Minister, where he was delighted by the culture and regained some equanimity.
Jefferson entered the presidential race at the Republicans’ request and became Vice President after placing second to John Adams. He strongly opposed Adams’ re-election four years later, winning the presidency amidst a campaign marked by intense negative advertising that targeted his views on religion, education, and culture. Jefferson’s presidency was marked by the significant purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the Union, despite constitutional concerns.
Legacy
Thomas Jefferson’s legacy as a great thinker is cemented by his ideals of civic and religious freedom, public administration, and education, which have become a global standard for judging governments, and his words continue to inspire and influence people throughout history. He dedicated his final years to establishing the University of Virginia, designing buildings, supervising construction, and planning the curriculum, driven by his belief that a fully educated and informed electorate is essential for a democracy to survive.
Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826, at the age of 83, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with his friend John Adams passing away on the same day. His final years were marked by a series of profound and heartfelt letters with Adams, discussing politics, history, philosophy, and religion. Jefferson’s impact on American democracy and his commitment to the principles of equality and freedom continue to shape the country and inspire future generations.
Key Principles and Beliefs
- All men are created equal
- Gradual emancipation and the abolition of slavery
- Separation of church and state
- Public administration and education
- Civic and religious freedom
Notable Achievements
- Author of the Declaration of Independence
- Third President of the United States
- Purchase of the Louisiana Territory
- Founder of the University of Virginia
- Advocate for limited government and individual rights
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Enlightenment | A cultural and intellectual movement in 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, individualism, and the scientific method. | Thomas Jefferson was influenced by Enlightenment philosophies, which shaped his views on life and government. |
| Declaration of Independence | A document adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, declaring the 13 American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America as a sovereign nation. | Thomas Jefferson was tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence, which established the principles of equality and individual rights. |
| Gradual Emancipation | A policy of gradually freeing slaves over a period of time, often with the goal of eventually abolishing slavery altogether. | Thomas Jefferson advocated for gradual emancipation, believing that all men are created equal and that slavery was a moral evil. |
| Separation of Church and State | The principle of keeping religious institutions and the government separate, with the goal of protecting individual freedom and preventing the establishment of a state religion. | Thomas Jefferson believed in the separation of church and state, which is reflected in the First Amendment to the US Constitution. |
| Civic Freedom | The right of citizens to participate in the political process, express their opinions, and assemble peacefully. | Thomas Jefferson believed that civic freedom was essential for a healthy democracy, and he advocated for the protection of individual rights and liberties. |
| Public Administration | The management and implementation of government policies and programs, with the goal of providing services and benefits to citizens. | Thomas Jefferson believed in the importance of effective public administration, and he worked to establish a system of government that was efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens. |
| Education | The process of teaching and learning, with the goal of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values. | Thomas Jefferson believed that education was essential for a healthy democracy, and he worked to establish the University of Virginia, which would provide citizens with the knowledge and skills they needed to participate in the political process. |
| Individual Rights | The rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. | Thomas Jefferson believed that individual rights were essential for a healthy democracy, and he advocated for the protection of these rights through the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. |
| Democracy | A system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. | Thomas Jefferson believed that democracy was the best form of government, and he worked to establish a democratic system in the United States, with the goal of protecting individual rights and promoting the common good. |
| Revolutionary War | A conflict that took place from 1775 to 1783, in which the 13 American colonies fought for independence from Great Britain. | Thomas Jefferson played a key role in the Revolutionary War, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress and drafting the Declaration of Independence. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘a person who has been given the power to act on behalf of another’?
A) Advocate
B) Author
C) Attorney
D) Agent
2. What does ‘unalienable’ mean in the context of the Declaration of Independence?
A) Able to be taken away
B) Not able to be taken away
C) Given by the government
D) Limited by the law
3. Which term refers to ‘the act of freeing slaves’?
A) Emancipation
B) Abolition
C) Liberation
D) Manumission
4. What is meant by ‘separation of church and state’?
A) The government controls the church
B) The church and state are combined
C) The church and state are separate entities
D) The state has no power over the church
5. What does ‘equanimity’ mean in the context of Thomas Jefferson’s life?
A) A state of calmness and composure
B) A state of anxiety and worry
C) A state of happiness and joy
D) A state of sadness and grief
Answer Key:
1. C
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: The Use of the Passive Voice
Grammar Quiz:
1. The Declaration of Independence ________ by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.
- was written
- write
- writes
- has written
2. The Louisiana Territory ________ from France in 1803.
- was purchased
- purchased
- purchase
- have purchased
3. The University of Virginia ________ by Thomas Jefferson in 1819.
- founded
- was founded
- found
- has founded
4. The principles of American democracy ________ by Thomas Jefferson’s words.
- have been inspired
- inspired
- are inspired
- were inspired
5. The document ________ to Congress and sparked a heated debate.
- was read
- read
- reads
- has read
Answer Key:
1. was written
2. was purchased
3. was founded
4. have been inspired
5. was read