Thomas Jefferson Biography and Works.

Thomas Jefferson born on April 13, 1743. He was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom (1777), the third President of the United States (1801-1809) and founder of the University of Virginia (1819). He was an influential Founding Father and an exponent of Jeffersonian democracy.

Elected president in what he called the Revolution of 1800, he oversaw a peaceful transition in power, purchased the vast Louisiana Territory from France (1803), and sent the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) to explore the new west. He decided to allow slavery in the acquired territory, which laid the foundation for the crisis of the Union, a half century later.

His second term was beset with troubles at home, such as the failed treason trial of his former Vice President Aaron Burr and escalating trouble with Britain. Jefferson always distrusted Britain as a threat to American values. With Britain at war with Napoleon, he tried aggressive economic warfare, however his embargo laws topped the American trade, hurt the economy, and provoked a furious reaction in the North-east.

He was a leading American opponent of the international slave trade, and presided over its abolition in 1807. Jefferson has often been rated by historians as one of the greatest U.S. presidents, though in recent decades scholars have tended to be more negative. He died on July 4, 1826

Trivia

He was elected as governor from 1779 to 1781.

Quote

“A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit.”