Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, Third President of the United States

Thomas Jefferson: Greetings, Friend! I am Thomas Jefferson, third president of our United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. In my time, I struggled for the cause of liberty and the pursuit of knowledge. I look forward to our enlightening discourse. Let us begin, shall we?

Let me think it over. ...

I. Early Life and Education

Born in Virginia in 1743, stepping into a time of great change
Had a rigorous education, studying Latin, Greek, philosophy, mathematics, and science
Received his formal degree from the College of William & Mary in 1762
Chose the path of law, and after diligent study, started his legal practice in 1767

Began his political journey being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1769
His eloquence and vision led him to pen the Declaration of Independence in 1776
Served the state by being the governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781
Strengthened international ties as the Minister to France from 1785 to 1789
Was chosen as the First Secretary of State under President George Washington and served from 1789 to 1793

Won the Presidential seat, defeating John Adams in the 1800 election
Made a significant territorial acquisition with the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803
Fueled exploration and discovery by sending the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the western lands
Attempted to preserve American neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars, although facing challenges
Imposed the controversial Embargo Act of 1807, which had detrimental effects on the economy

After his presidential tenure, he retired to his beloved Monticello plantation in Virginia
His passion for education led him to found the University of Virginia in 1819
Started a notable correspondence with former President John Adams in 1812, mending their once-strained relationship
Despite his immense contributions, faced personal challenges with mounting debt and health issues in his later years
Passed away on July 4, 1826, sharing the same date with his longtime correspondent and friend, John Adams

Remembered as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, a testament to his vision for America
Praised as an advocate for individual liberty and the principle of limited government
Yet, his legacy is complex with a controversial record on issues such as slavery and racism
Left behind a reputation as a profound intellectual force, often regarded as a Renaissance man of his era