Thomas Jefferson Declaration Of Independence

964 Words2 Pages

Did you know that the author of the Declaration of Independence was a 33 year old? Did you know that the Declaration was written in 17 days? Our third president Thomas Jefferson was the man who accomplished these monumental tasks. Through out his lifetime he molded America into the great country it is now; free from monarchy and unjust taxation. What drove Thomas Jefferson to strive for freedom? What were his beliefs? Who were his mentors? Where did he get his education? Where did he grow up? These are all things that Americans should know about this great man. Thomas Jefferson was the author of freedom. Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. Jefferson had seven siblings, one brother and six sisters. From a young age Jefferson loved to read. He had a passion for knowledge, reading and writing. Young Jefferson got some of the best education in the States as well as in Europe. At the young age of sixteen Thomas Jefferson was attending school at William and Mary College. This was not common for a young boy to pursue education let alone this level. While attending William and Mary College he was taken under the wing of George Wythe. George Wythe became a mentor to Jefferson and taught him how to become a successful lawyer as well as taught him about many other topics in politics that were going on at the time. It is said that Wythe helped shape Jefferson and his ideals and political views. One ideal they shared was that all men are created equal. Later Wythe would also sign the Declaration of Independence along side of Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson graduated William and Mary College in 1762 and was practicing law in 1767. After Jefferson became a lawyer he became a member of the House of Burgesses. The Hi... ... middle of paper ... ...ory channel gave an exact square mileage this purchase added to the US territory, “At more than 820,000 square miles, the acquisition (which included lands extending between the Mississippi River and Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico to present-day Canada) effectively doubled the size of the United States. (History.com)” This purchase made by Jefferson doubled the size of the US. Jefferson served two terms in office and retired to Monticello. He died of natural causes on July 4th, 1826. Thomas Jefferson was a great American that helped establish our freedoms from the English tyranny. A young scholar that would stop at nothing to achieve what he believed was just and right. We owe a great deal of gratitude to this man for writing The Declaration of Independence and being a great leader to our Nation in a time of need. Thomas Jefferson was the author of freedom.

Open Document