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Thomas Jefferson Influence

Decent Essays

Thomas Jefferson was a very influential person and leader in the development of what is modern-day United States. He was a writer, lawyer, and president. He’s one of the well-known figures in U.S history. If you ever seen a twenty dollar bill, Jefferson’s face is printed in the front. Jefferson is known for his estate which is called Monticello and it means “Little Mountain” in Italian.
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia. When he was 2 years old his father died and he inherited 5 thousand acres. At age 16 he went to college in Williamsburg. After college Thomas became lawyer. He was able to marry Martha Wayle Skelton, and had 6 children. Martha died 10 years later and he had no other wives.
Jefferson spent 5 years in …show more content…

About 7 years later he became Vice President under John Adams. He originally ran as president and lost by a little. He ran as the 3rd president again in 1800 and won by a little. During his election there was a lot of propaganda. “The press described Jefferson as a pagan and atheist” (Britannica.com).
Jefferson served two terms as presidency. During his first term in 1803, the U.S. purchased the western half of the Mississippi River basin. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson wanted the opportunity to add more territory to the United States. He also supported for the Lewis and Clark expedition. Which was west along the Missouri River.
One of the most important contributions to Building of America was Jefferson’s opposition towards slavery. “Throughout his entire life, Thomas Jefferson was a consistent opponent of slavery” (Monticello.org). He thought slavery went against the right for a person to have personal liberty. He wrote a book called, Note on the State of Virginia. Inside this book he wrote how horrible the slaves were treated. He had graphic descriptions of how slavery was negative for slaves and there owners. His critics didn’t take his book serious because of the rumors of his relationship with Sally Hemings. He mostly had seven children with her. Although, it was proven later he was in love with her, their relationship was low key and never out in the open. Also, some critics “Considered Jefferson

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