The central phenomenon of the Revolution and the founding of our nation was the Declaration of Independence. This document was truly America’s founding document and it set the stage for the foundation of a government of the people, for the people and by the people. This document was masterminded by a select group of Colonial congressmen including Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson. Of these men, Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration. This was not his only achievement however. He founded the University of Virginia and he became the third President of the United States. He also served as Vice-President under John Adams and he was a political philosopher who was extremely influential in the founding of the United States.
Jefferson was born to Peter and Jane Jefferson in 1743. He was born in Shadwell, Virginia. At age sixteen, he entered the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated in 1762 and then studied law under his mentor George Wythe. He became a lawyer in 1767. It was his time at William and Mary that he read many works of literature that would influence him greatly. These included John Locke and Isaac Newton. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1769 to 1775. It was during this time that he wrote a pamphlet protesting the Intolerable Acts and argued for Colonial self-governance.
Jefferson served in the Second Continental Congress in 1775 and he was appointed to the committee which was purposed to write the Declaration. John Adams persuaded the committee to have Jefferson write the rough draft. Jefferson was skeptical and reluctant but he agreed. When he faced writer’s block he would play his fiddle to clear his mind. Finally, the draft was finished. He included a clause attacking King George III’s support of the slave trade but this was removed from the final draft. Although Jefferson owned slaves, he seemed opposed to the institution to some degree.
After the Revolution, Jefferson remained in the service of his country. He was appointed Secretary of State by George Washington and was Vice-President under John Adams. He was elected President in 1800. It was during his first term that he waged war against Tripoli and bought Louisiana from Napoleonic France. His second term was mainly concerned with keeping America neutral in the Napoleonic Wars. He imposed an embargo in an attempt to force France and Great Britain to recognize American shipping rights. This ended up hurting American commerce more than French or British.
After his presidency, Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819. He died on July 4, 1826, a few hours before his lifelong friend and contemporary, John Adams. Reportedly, Adams final words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.” Jefferson’s tombstone records some of his life’s achievements. It does not include any mention of his presidency.
Here are some quotes by Thomas Jefferson:
“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”
“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.”
“No freeman should be debarred the use of arms.”
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
“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; among these life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Quotes found on brainyquote.com
An in depth week long examination of the Declaration of Independence should be required in every high school in the country. Nice post Jace.
It should Robert. Thanks for reading.