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Introduction
Introduction
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential figures in American history. He has influenced countless aspects of American Government including the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War, and the Constitution. He was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell Virginia where he grew up in his father's plantation. He began studying at a young age. He studied with ministers and tutors like Scottish minister William Douglas. He then studied at William & Henry under Dr. William Small and Dr. George Wythe. Dr. Small exposed young Jefferson to Enlightenment ideals and philosophy of which Jefferson got his idea of liberty from. Dr. Wythe mentored Jefferson in law and signed the Declaration of Independence with him. After this, he became an influential figure in American diplomacy, politics and government from there (World Historian). He became the third president of the United States in which he handled a war against Tripoli and the Barbarian States, and made one of the biggest successes of his life in doing the Louisiana Purchase from France. He also did major expansion and exploring with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and made the Embargo Act. After his presidency, he was still a major person in politics and continued to be one until his death on July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson signing the Declaration of Independence.
Timeline of Jefferson's presidency.
Thomas Jefferson and George Washington signing the Treaty of Hague
Jefferson's Influence on the American Revolution
Jefferson's Influence on the American Revolution
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most prominent figures in the American Revolution as he gave a reason worth fighting for as he wrote the Declaration of Independence (Middle Tennessee State University). He also served as a member of the House of Burgesses representing Albemarle County (World Historian). He has also influenced American Diplomacy by serving as the United States' ambassador and going to Prussia and France and successfully establishing good ties with them (Office of the Historian). This has impacted the American Revolution immensely as he was the reason France helped America in the American Revolution, and why America has gotten it's independence. He was also a big supporter of the French Revolution, of whom he encouraged the French people to revolt.
Jefferson's Influence on the Constitution
Jefferson's Influence on the Constitution
Jefferson has impacted the American Constitution in a multitude of ways. He has impacted the constitution as he advocated for the Bill of Rights while in France. He affected the Bill of Rights by his correspondence, and was a major figure in getting the Bill of Rights published (Library of Congress). He also affected the constitution by his constant clashing with Aaron Burr while in the Presidential office, so they made an amendment that states that the vice-president and the president are on the same ballot (Library of Congress).
Thomas Jefferson (right) and Aaron Burr (left).
Thomas Jefferson along with George Washington and Alexander Hamilton discussing
Map of the Barbary States
Jefferson's influence on American Politics
Jefferson's influence on American Politics
Jefferson has affected American politics intensely as he has been the American ambassador for several years. He has created a treaty between America and Prussia in 1785. (Office of the Historian). He also attempted to tame party politics along with John Adams, but he failed. Due to the failure of taming party politics, tensions between federal power and liberties of the states remained (The American Yawp). He also introduced the Embargo Act in 1807 which stopped all foreign trade because of the way between Britain and France (Office of the Historian). This has effectively created a precedent of neutrality that would remain for all of American history. Finally, he has also done a historic war against the Barbary States. Which increased America's status as a formidable nation.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson has impacted America in plenty of ways including helping with diplomacy, American politics, and the American Revolution. He served in the House of Burgesse. He has created famous ideals including one of the most famous, "All men are created equal". He was one of the most influential figures in the world, and has impacted American decisions like neutrality by the Embargo Act and maintaining "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Federal spending vs revenues under Jefferson's administration.
Learn More:
Learn More:
About Thomas Jefferson's life:
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/presidents/bio3.htm
https://www.mayaincaaztec.com/american-revolution-biographies/thomas-jefferson
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Jefferson
About Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr clashing:
https://footprints.com/blogs/micks-essays/91201539-day-in-history-burr-vs-jefferson
About the Barbary Wars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIbX0Qj8gk0&t=218s
https://mrnussbaum.com/barbary-pirates-interactive-map
About the U.S. - Prussia Treaty:
Sources:
Sources:
Mark, H. W. (2024, October 23). Thomas Jefferson. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Thomas_Jefferson/
Office Of The Historian. (2019). Biographies of the Secretaries of State: Thomas Jefferson. Office of the Historian; United States Department of State. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/jefferson-thomas
The American YAWP. (2019). 6. A New Nation | THE AMERICAN YAWP. The American Yawp.
Walker, C. (2023, July 30). Thomas Jefferson. The Free Speech Center. https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/thomas-jefferson/
Library of Congress. (2019). Establishing A Federal Republic - Thomas Jefferson | Exhibitions - Library of Congress. Loc.gov; Library of Congress
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