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'''Thomas Jefferson''' (April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826) was the author of perhaps the [[most influential phrases|most influential phrase]] ever:  "all men are created equal," which he inserted into the [[Declaration of Independence]].<ref>Portions of the Declaration of Independence -- but not its most famous phrase -- were based on [[George Mason]]'s [[Virginia Declaration of Rights]].</ref>  Jefferson was also the leading opponent of [[judicial supremacy]], and a prolific inventor who guided the administration of the successful, unique [[America]]n [[patent]] system.<ref>https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/patents</ref>  He ended the slave trade over opposition by some in [[The South|the South]], and he had the greatest influence of anyone on American architecture in [[D.C.]]

'''Thomas Jefferson''' (April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826) was the author of perhaps the [[most influential phrases|most influential phrase]] ever:  "all men are created equal," which he inserted into the [[Declaration of Independence]].<ref>Portions of the Declaration of Independence -- but not its most famous phrase -- were based on [[George Mason]]'s [[Virginia Declaration of Rights]].</ref>  Jefferson was also the leading opponent of [[judicial supremacy]], and a prolific inventor who guided the administration of the successful, unique [[America]]n [[patent]] system.<ref>https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/patents</ref>  He ended the slave trade over opposition by some in [[The South|the South]], and he had the greatest influence of anyone on American architecture in [[D.C.]]

Jefferson successfully led the "Revolution of 1800," which was the first peaceful transition of sovereign power among bitter rivals ever.  He then served as the third president of the United States, from 1801 to 1809.  Prior to that he had been the first secretary of state (1789-1793), and the founder of the [[Jeffersonian Republicans]] in 1792. His political party dominated [[U.S.]] politics for decades, and laid the foundation for the modern [[Republican Party]]. Jefferson and the Republicans are closely associated with the view that the size and powers of the federal government should be strictly limited.<ref>"distrusted the federal government because he knew it would grow too large, become disconnected from the people, and be heir to the arrogance, insolence and prideful haughtiness that is the lot of the unrestrained ..." Pruden, [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/16/pruden-winning-the-war-against-civility/ Winning the war against ‘civility’] - Editorial in the ''[[Washington Times]]''</ref>

Jefferson successfully led the "Revolution of 1800," which was the first peaceful transition of sovereign power among bitter rivals ever.  He then served as the third president of the United States, from 1801 to 1809.  Before that he had been the first secretary of state (1789-1793), and the founder of the [[Jeffersonian Republicans]] in 1792. His political party dominated [[U.S.]] politics for decades, and laid the foundation for the modern [[Republican Party]]. Jefferson and the Republicans are closely associated with the view that the size and powers of the federal government should be strictly limited.<ref>"distrusted the federal government because he knew it would grow too large, become disconnected from the people, and be heir to the arrogance, insolence and prideful haughtiness that is a lot of the unrestrained ..." Pruden, [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/16/pruden-winning-the-war-against-civility/ Winning the war against ‘civility’] - Editorial in the ''[[Washington Times]]''</ref>

Jefferson was a strong supporter of an [[agrarian lifestyle]], and preserving the role of farming in our country as a way of life.  Jefferson strongly opposed the creation of a national bank by the federal government and felt that it would be unconstitutional.<ref>avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/bank-tj.asp</ref>  Jefferson fought with [[Alexander Hamilton]] on these and other issues.  Like [[Benjamin Franklin]], Jefferson was also fond of [[chess]].

Jefferson was a strong supporter of an [[agrarian lifestyle]], and preserving the role of farming in our country as a way of life.  Jefferson strongly opposed the creation of a national bank by the federal government and felt that it would be unconstitutional.<ref>avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/bank-tj.asp</ref>  Jefferson fought with [[Alexander Hamilton]] on these and other issues.  Like [[Benjamin Franklin]], Jefferson was also fond of [[chess]].

Jefferson preferred [[France]] over [[Britain]], and even lived in [[Paris]] for five years as a widower in the mid-1780s which kept him away from the [[Constitutional Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]] in 1787.<ref>Some claim, perhaps with [[globalist]] bias and citing little in support, that Jefferson's time in Paris was "arguably the most memorable of his life. Paris — with its music, its architecture, its savants and salons, its learning and enlightenment, not to mention its elegant social life ... had worked its enchantments on this rigidly self-controlled Virginia gentleman, and had stimulated him to say and do and write remarkable things." [https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/paris]</ref>  Subsequently, Jefferson was sympathetic to the [[French Revolution]] prior to, and to a certain extent during its spinning into [[anarchism]] and [[atheism]].  He was deeply disappointed when [[Napoleon]] ended the French Republic and declared himself emperor in 1804. As president, Jefferson purchased the vast Louisiana Territory in 1803, but was not known to govern forcefully. During the Napoleonic Wars, both Britain and France violated American neutrality and attacked U.S. shipping. Jefferson responded by signing the [[Embargo of 1807]]. The embargo led to economic problems in the United States and was unpopular. It also failed in its purpose of forcing the British to repeal their "Orders in Council" and respect American neutrality. Just before Jefferson left office, the embargo was repealed and replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act. As Jefferson was not willing to submit to the Orders in Council, the failure of the embargo made war with Britain the logical next step. However, Federalist gains in the 1808 election suggested that public opinion was not yet ready for this move.

Jefferson preferred [[France]] over [[Britain]], and even lived in [[Paris]] for five years as a widower in the mid-1780s which kept him away from the [[Constitutional Convention]] in [[Philadelphia]] in 1787.<ref>Some claim, perhaps with [[globalist]] bias and citing little in support, that Jefferson's time in Paris was "arguably the most memorable of his life. Paris — with its music, its architecture, its savants and salons, its learning and enlightenment, not to mention its elegant social life ... had worked its enchantments on this rigidly self-controlled Virginia gentleman, and had stimulated him to say and do and write remarkable things." [https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/paris]</ref>  Subsequently, Jefferson was sympathetic to the [[French Revolution]] before, and to a certain extent during its spinning into [[anarchism]] and [[atheism]].  He was deeply disappointed when [[Napoleon]] ended the French Republic and declared himself emperor in 1804. As president, Jefferson purchased the vast Louisiana Territory in 1803, but was not known to govern forcefully. During the Napoleonic Wars, both Britain and France violated American neutrality and attacked U.S. shipping. Jefferson responded by signing the [[Embargo of 1807]]. The embargo led to economic problems in the United States and was unpopular. It also failed in its purpose of forcing the British to repeal their "Orders in Council" and respect American neutrality. Just before Jefferson left office, the embargo was repealed and replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act. As Jefferson was not willing to submit to the Orders in Council, the failure of the embargo made war with Britain the logical next step. However, Federalist gains in the 1808 election suggested that public opinion was not yet ready for this move.

James Madison, Jefferson's handpicked successor as president, was a loyal follower. After his retirement to Monticello in 1809, Jefferson wrote numerous letters and continued to play a major role in policy-making. Although Jefferson had long pressed for war with Britain, he had neglected the military. When Congress finally declared war in 1812, the country was tragically unprepared.

James Madison, Jefferson's handpicked successor as president, was a loyal follower. After he retired to Monticello in 1809, Jefferson wrote numerous letters and continued to play a major role in policy-making. Although Jefferson had long pressed for war with Britain, he had neglected the military. When Congress finally declared war in 1812, the country was tragically unprepared.

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Jefferson was the South's favorite [[Founding Father]], while northerners preferred [[Alexander Hamilton]]. President Franklin Roosevelt did to much to promote the memory of Jefferson, and it now eclipses that of Hamilton. This is ironic since Roosevelt's bloated New Deal regime is hard to reconcile with Jefferson's vision of a minimal federal government. Although Jefferson's party dissolved in 1825, the modern Democratic Party claims Jefferson as its founder. In 1998, DNA testing provided some evidence for an old accusation that Jefferson had fathered children by [[Sally Hemings]], with whom the widowed Jefferson alleged had a relationship while Hemings was with him in Paris, where she was free.<ref name=foundation>[http://www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/thomas-jefferson-and-sally-hemings-brief-account Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: A Brief Account], Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation</ref> Jefferson was bankrupt when he died, so he was not able to free Hemings or most of his other slaves.<ref>Schwabach, Aaron. "Thomas Jefferson, Slavery, and Slaves." ''Thomas Jefferson Law Review'' 33, no. 1 (Fall 2010): 1-60. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 16, 2014).</ref> However, he did free all six of the children he had with Hemings.<ref name="foundation" />

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Jefferson was the South's favorite [[Founding Father]], while northerners preferred [[Alexander Hamilton]]. President Franklin Roosevelt did too much to promote the memory of Jefferson, and it now eclipses that of Hamilton. This is ironic since Roosevelt's bloated New Deal regime is hard to reconcile with Jefferson's vision of a minimal federal government. Although Jefferson's party dissolved in 1825, the modern Democratic Party claims Jefferson as its founder. In 1998, DNA testing provided some evidence for an old accusation that Jefferson had fathered children by [[Sally Hemings]], with whom the widowed Jefferson alleged had a relationship while Hemings was with him in Paris, where she was free.<ref name=foundation>[http://www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/thomas-jefferson-and-sally-hemings-brief-account Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: A Brief Account], Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation</ref> Jefferson was bankrupt when he died, so he was not able to free Hemings or most of his other slaves.<ref>Schwabach, Aaron. "Thomas Jefferson, Slavery, and Slaves." ''Thomas Jefferson Law Review'' 33, no. 1 (Fall 2010): 1-60. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed October 16, 2014).</ref> However, he did free all six of the children he had with Hemings.<ref name="foundation" />

==Early life==

==Early life==

Jefferson was the third child born to a well-connected tobacco planter family of moderate wealth in Goochland County on Virginia's western frontier. His father, Peter Jefferson (1707–57), of Welsh descent, owned slaves and was a county magistrate who was elected to the House of Burgesses (the colonial legislature). His mother, Jane Randolph, belonged to the leading family in the British colony. Peter taught the boy farming; they hunted and fished together. His formal education began under two Anglican ministers. He became proficient in Latin and Greek and had later became proficient in French. He was also tutored in dancing, became polished on the violin,<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124648983211082927 Thomas Jefferson, Musician], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=lXFd5Y3HGD0C&pg=PA5 Thomas Jefferson: Let Freedom Ring!]</ref> learned chess, avoided cards, and was a fearless and accomplished horseman. His father died in 1757 when Jefferson was at the age of 14,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=yqVNivyn_CcC&pg=PA19 Thomas Jefferson: Roots of Religious Freedom]</ref> leaving him an inheritance of some slaves and 2,750 acres of undeveloped farmland.<ref>Merrill D. Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation: A Biography'' (1975) ch. 1</ref>  

Jefferson was the third child born to a well-connected tobacco planter family of moderate wealth in Goochland County on Virginia's western frontier. His father, Peter Jefferson (1707–57), of Welsh descent, owned slaves and was a county magistrate who was elected to the House of Burgesses (the colonial legislature). His mother, Jane Randolph, belonged to the leading family in the British colony. Peter taught the boy farming; they hunted and fished together. His formal education began under two Anglican ministers. He became proficient in Latin and Greek and later became proficient in French. He was also tutored in dancing, became polished on the violin,<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124648983211082927 Thomas Jefferson, Musician], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=lXFd5Y3HGD0C&pg=PA5 Thomas Jefferson: Let Freedom Ring!]</ref> learned chess, avoided cards, and was a fearless and accomplished horseman. His father died in 1757 when Jefferson was at the age of 14,<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=yqVNivyn_CcC&pg=PA19 Thomas Jefferson: Roots of Religious Freedom]</ref> leaving him an inheritance of some slaves and 2,750 acres of undeveloped farmland.<ref>Merrill D. Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation: A Biography'' (1975) ch. 1</ref>  

Jefferson was well educated at [[William and Mary College]] (class of 1762), and studied law. He was a polymath who read voraciously in history, politics, philosophy, linguistics, architecture and natural science. He studied science with Dr. William Small, who introduce him to Gov. Francis Fauquier and to George Wythe, the leading legal expert of the day in Virginia, who directed Jefferson's reading in law.  He was a well-disciplined student who ignored the gambling and horse-racing of his peers to immerse himself in science law and history. He lost his Anglican religion along the way. He mastered the common law treatises of Sir [[Edward Coke]], and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767. He was successful but did not enjoy the tasks and gave up his practice by 1774. However the lawyerly style reappears in his famous state papers where he acts the advocate pleading a cause and buttressing it with precedents. Jefferson was never a good speaker, but he excelled in learning and industry and in precision and clarity of writing. His written arguments are powerful, but his "Declaration of Independence" remains the touchstone for powerful argumentation.

Jefferson was well educated at [[William and Mary College]] (class of 1762) and studied law. He was a polymath who read voraciously in history, politics, philosophy, linguistics, architecture and natural science. He studied science with Dr. William Small, who introduced him to Gov. Francis Fauquier and to George Wythe, the leading legal expert of the day in Virginia, who directed Jefferson's reading in law.  He was a well-disciplined student who ignored the gambling and horse-racing of his peers to immerse himself in science law and history. He lost his Anglican religion along the way. He mastered the common law treatises of Sir [[Edward Coke]] and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767. He was successful but did not enjoy the tasks and gave up his practice by 1774. However, the lawyerly style reappears in his famous state papers where he acts as the advocate pleading a cause and buttressing it with precedents. Jefferson was never a good speaker, but he excelled in learning and industry and in precision and clarity of writing. His written arguments are powerful, but his "Declaration of Independence" remains the touchstone for powerful argumentation.

Jefferson had absorbed both the latest ideas of the [[Enlightenment]] and the precepts of [[republicanism]] as taught by the pamphlets of the British "country party", which had long been out of power. Jefferson became committed to the ancient rights of Englishmen possessed by Virginians; he was outraged that parliament would threaten those rights.

Jefferson had absorbed both the latest ideas of the [[Enlightenment]] and the precepts of [[republicanism]] as taught by the pamphlets of the British "country party", which had long been out of power. Jefferson became committed to the ancient rights of Englishmen possessed by Virginians; he was outraged that parliament would threaten those rights.

In 1773, following the lead of Massachusetts, Jefferson helped establish Virginia's Provincial Committee of Correspondence to keep in touch with the other 12 colonies and operate as a shadow government in defiance of the governor. In 1774 he drew up resolutions that were published by the first Virginia convention as "'''''A Summary View of the Rights of British America'''''."<ref>See [http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/jeffsumm.htm for text]</ref> This pamphlet, issued in four editions that year, argued that Parliament had no right to legislate for the colonies and that the British Empire was bound together solely by allegiance to the king. It proved one of the most influential statements of the patriot position and was widely read.  

In 1773, following the lead of Massachusetts, Jefferson helped establish Virginia's Provincial Committee of Correspondence to keep in touch with the other 12 colonies and operate as a shadow government in defiance of the governor. In 1774 he drew up resolutions that were published by the first Virginia convention as "'''''A Summary View of the Rights of British America'''''."<ref>See [http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/jeffsumm.htm for text]</ref> This pamphlet, issued in four editions that year, argued that Parliament had no right to legislate for the colonies and that the British Empire was bound together solely by allegiance to the king. It proved one of the most influential statements of the patriot position and was widely read.  

In 1775 Jefferson was elected to the Second [[Continental Congress]], meeting in Philadelphia. He drafted the resolution rejecting the conciliatory proposals of the British minister, [[Lord North]]. He was appointed county lieutenant in September and did not return to Congress until May 1776. He drafted a proposed constitution for the state of Virginia which was adopted in part.

In 1775 Jefferson was elected to the Second [[Continental Congress]], meeting in Philadelphia. He drafted the resolution rejecting the conciliatory proposals of the British minister, [[Lord North]]. He was appointed county lieutenant in September and did not return to Congress until May 1776. He drafted a proposed constitution for the State of Virginia which was adopted in part.

===Declaration of Independence===

===Declaration of Independence===

Jefferson himself did not believe in absolute human equality, and, though he had no fears of revolution, he preferred that the "social compact" be renewed by periodical, peaceful revisions. That government should be based on popular consent and secure the "inalienable" rights of man, among which he included the pursuit of happiness rather than property, that it should be a means to human well-being and not an end in itself, he steadfastly believed. He gave here a matchless expression of his faith.  

Jefferson himself did not believe in absolute human equality, and, though he had no fears of revolution, he preferred that the "social compact" be renewed by periodical, peaceful revisions. That government should be based on popular consent and secure the "inalienable" rights of man, among which he included the pursuit of happiness rather than property, that it should be a means to human well-being and not an end in itself, he steadfastly believed. He gave here a matchless expression of his faith.  

The charges against King [[George III]], who is singled out because the patriots denied all claims of parliamentary authority, represent an improved version of charges that Jefferson wrote for the preamble of the Virginia constitution of 1776. Relentless in their reiteration, they constitute a statement of the specific grievances of the revolting party, powerfully and persuasively presented at the bar of public opinion.  

The charges against King [[George III]], who is singled out because the patriots denied all claims of parliamentary authority, represent an improved version of charges that Jefferson wrote for the preamble of the Virginia Constitution of 1776. Relentless in their reiteration, they constitute a statement of the specific grievances of the revolting party, powerfully and persuasively presented at the bar of public opinion.  

The Declaration is notable for both its clarity and subtlety of expression, and it abounds in the felicities that are characteristic of Jefferson's best prose.<ref>See Carl Becker, ''The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas'' (1922) ch. 5, [https://books.google.com/books?id=VC5nCgcUmjsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:declaration+intitle:of+intitle:independence&lr=&num=30&as_brr=1 online edition]; Garry Wills, ''Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence.'' (1978); Pauline Maier, ''American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence.'' (1997)</ref> More impassioned than any other of his writings, it is eloquent in its sustained elevation of style and remains his noblest literary [[monument]].  

The Declaration is notable for both its clarity and subtlety of expression, and it abounds in the felicities that are characteristic of Jefferson's best prose.<ref>See Carl Becker, ''The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas'' (1922) ch. 5, [https://books.google.com/books?id=VC5nCgcUmjsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:declaration+intitle:of+intitle:independence&lr=&num=30&as_brr=1 online edition]; Garry Wills, ''Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence.'' (1978); Pauline Maier, ''American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence.'' (1997)</ref> More impassioned than any other of his writings, it is eloquent in its sustained elevation of style and remains his noblest literary [[monument]].  

The concepts of [[Natural Law]], of inviolable rights, and of government by consent were drawn from the [[Republicanism|republican tradition]] that stretched back to ancient Rome and was neither new nor distinctively American. However it was unprecedented for a nation to declare that it would be governed by these propositions. It was Jefferson's almost religious commitment to these republican propositions that is the key to his entire life. He was more than the author of this statement of the national purpose: he was a living example of its philosophy, accepting its ideals as the controlling principles of his own life. Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, which became the birthday of the independent nation.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 2</ref>

The concepts of [[Natural Law]], of inviolable rights, and of government by consent were drawn from the [[Republicanism|republican tradition]] that stretched back to ancient Rome and was neither new nor distinctively American. However, it was unprecedented for a nation to declare that it would be governed by these propositions. It was Jefferson's almost religious commitment to these republican propositions that was the key to his entire life. He was more than the author of this statement of the national purpose: he was a living example of its philosophy, accepting its ideals as the controlling principles of his own life. Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, which became the birthday of the independent nation.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 2</ref>

When the Declaration was signed, all British forces had been driven out of the 13 colonies, which now became the 13 states. However King [[George III]] refused to give up and of "his" possessions, so the war dragged on until the final American victory at Yorktown in 1781 caused Parliament to change the government in London and sue for peace.

When the Declaration was signed, all British forces had been driven out of the 13 colonies, which now became the 13 states. However King [[George III]] refused to give up any of "his" possessions, so the war dragged on until the final American victory at Yorktown in 1781 caused Parliament to change the government in London and sue for peace.

====World impact====

====World impact====

=== Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom ===

=== Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom ===

: ''Main Article: [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]]''

: ''Main Article: [[Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom]]''

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1777,<ref>Atkinson, Kathleen (2007). "[http://www.has.vcu.edu/soc/rdr/Culture.groups/VirginiaReligiousLibertyHistory.pdf Early Virginians and Religious Freedom for Americans]." ''Virginia Commonwealth University''. The World Religions in Richmond Project.</ref> introduced in the Virginia General Assembly in 1779, and on January 16, 1786 enacted into state law through the assistance of [[James Madison]].<ref>''Virginia Historical Society''. "[http://www.vahistorical.org/onthisday/11686.htm 16 January 1786: Statute for Religious Freedom]." On This Day: Legislative Moments in Virginia History.</ref> The legislation is one of only three accomplishments Jefferson instructed be included in his epitaph.<ref>"[http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson]." The Jefferson Monticello.</ref> It is often claimed that Jefferson was not Christian but a [[Deist]] and that his use of the term "Nature's God" in the Declaration of Independence was to a vague concept of a designer or even nature itself.<ref>Voelker, David J. (1993). "[http://history.hanover.edu/hhr/hhr93_1.html Who is Nature's God?]" ''Hanover Historical Review 1''.</ref><ref>Isaacson, Walter (2004, July 5). "[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,994571,00.html Thomas Jefferson: God of our Fathers]." ''Time Magazine''.</ref> However, such arguments do not mention Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, perhaps because (1) such critics aren't aware of it, or (2) the document very clearly shows Jefferson's beliefs were more refined: {{cquote|An Act for establishing religious Freedom. Whereas, Almighty God hath created the mind free;

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1777,<ref>Atkinson, Kathleen (2007). "[http://www.has.vcu.edu/soc/rdr/Culture.groups/VirginiaReligiousLibertyHistory.pdf Early Virginians and Religious Freedom for Americans]." ''Virginia Commonwealth University''. The World Religions in Richmond Project.</ref> introduced in the Virginia General Assembly in 1779, and on January 16, 1786, enacted into state law through the assistance of [[James Madison]].<ref>''Virginia Historical Society''. "[http://www.vahistorical.org/onthisday/11686.htm 16 January 1786: Statute for Religious Freedom]." On This Day: Legislative Moments in Virginia History.</ref> The legislation is one of only three accomplishments Jefferson instructed be included in his epitaph.<ref>"[http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson]." The Jefferson Monticello.</ref> It is often claimed that Jefferson was not Christian but a [[Deist]] and that his use of the term "Nature's God" in the Declaration of Independence was to a vague concept of a designer or even nature itself.<ref>Voelker, David J. (1993). "[http://history.hanover.edu/hhr/hhr93_1.html Who is Nature's God?]" ''Hanover Historical Review 1''.</ref><ref>Isaacson, Walter (2004, July 5). "[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,994571,00.html Thomas Jefferson: God of our Fathers]." ''Time Magazine''.</ref> However, such arguments do not mention Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, perhaps because (1) such critics aren't aware of it, or (2) the document very clearly shows Jefferson's beliefs were more refined: {{cquote|An Act for establishing religious Freedom. Whereas, Almighty God hath created the mind free;

That all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and therefore are a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, who being Lord, both of body and mind yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do}} Since Thomas Jefferson called William Penn "the greatest law giver the world has produced"<ref name=phmc>Ries, Linda A. & Stewart, Jane S. "[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/DAM/charter/charter.html This Venerable Document]." Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.</ref> it would seem that whatever his beliefs may have become in later years, he derived his original inspiration from the Christian government of William Penn over a century earlier, the [[Province of Pennsylvania]].

That all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and therefore are a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, who being Lord, both of body and mind yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do}} Since Thomas Jefferson called William Penn "the greatest law giver the world has produced"<ref name=phmc>Ries, Linda A. & Stewart, Jane S. "[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/DAM/charter/charter.html This Venerable Document]." Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.</ref> it would seem that whatever his beliefs may have become in later years, he derived his original inspiration from the Christian government of William Penn over a century earlier, the [[Province of Pennsylvania]].

==== Autobiography ====

==== Autobiography ====

Jefferson's autobiography provides more insight on the Virginia Statute. Jefferson stated, {{cquote|Where the preamble declares that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed, by inserting the word "Jesus Christ," so that it should read "a departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion." The insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of it's protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo, and infidel of every denomination.<ref>Jefferson, Thomas (1821, January 6). "[http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Jefferson/Autobiography.html Autobiography]."</ref>}} Therefore, it appears that this was actually a more liberal statement by not using the name "Jesus Christ" at the time, much moreso than the clearly Christian origins of William Penn a century earlier. The Virginia legislature wanted to ensure all religions were "within the mantle of it's protection". Nevertheless, while it may have protected the beliefs of atheists or "infidel[s]" as Jefferson stated, the references to a Creator show such a belief was requisite for stating inalienable rights accorded by law.

Jefferson's autobiography provides more insight into the Virginia Statute. Jefferson stated, {{cquote|Where the preamble declares that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed, by inserting the word "Jesus Christ," so that it should read "a departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion." The insertion was rejected by a great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan, the Hindoo, and infidel of every denomination.<ref>Jefferson, Thomas (1821, January 6). "[http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Jefferson/Autobiography.html Autobiography]."</ref>}} Therefore, it appears that this was actually a more liberal statement by not using the name "Jesus Christ" at the time, much more so than the clearly Christian origins of William Penn a century earlier. The Virginia legislature wanted to ensure all religions were "within the mantle of its protection". Nevertheless, while it may have protected the beliefs of atheists or "infidel[s]" as Jefferson stated, the references to a Creator show such a belief was requisite for stating inalienable rights accorded by law.

==Reforming Virginia==

==Reforming Virginia==

His laws on inheritance ended the practice of primogeniture, whereby the eldest son inherited the entire estate, so as to spread out wealth more evenly and open up opportunities for more young men.

His laws on inheritance ended the practice of primogeniture, whereby the eldest son inherited the entire estate, so as to spread out wealth more evenly and open up opportunities for more young men.

In 1779 he was elected to succeed [[Patrick Henry]] as governor of Virginia for a one-year term. Everything went wrong. British invasions by land and sea, Indian raids in the west, fiscal shortfalls, militia problems, profiteering, personal rivalries, and the shift of the main theater of war to Virginia created more challenges than he could solve.  Re-elected in 1780, he saw the main British army under Cornwallis enter from the South in 1781; the Continental Army commander, General Von Steuben, was outmaneuvered. Jefferson quit office before his successor was named and the legislature had fled; he was almost captured when the British raided Monticello looking for him.  Fortunately Washington arrived with the American and French armies and trapped Cornwallis at Yorktown, where the entire British army surrendered. Later the legislature investigated his administration and vindicated him, but Jefferson was embarrassed.  Jefferson was an efficient, systematic, indefatigable administrator with a knack for getting men to work together smoothly, but his militia could not match the British army. He coped with these problems with a degree of success or failure that remains controversial among scholars.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 4</ref>  

In 1779 he was elected to succeed [[Patrick Henry]] as governor of Virginia for a one-year term. Everything went wrong. British invasions by land and sea, Indian raids in the west, fiscal shortfalls, militia problems, profiteering, personal rivalries, and the shift of the main theater of war to Virginia created more challenges than he could solve.  Re-elected in 1780, he saw the main British army under Cornwallis enter from the South in 1781; the Continental Army commander, General Von Steuben, was outmaneuvered. Jefferson quit office before his successor was named and the legislature had fled; he was almost captured when the British raided Monticello looking for him.  Fortunately, Washington arrived with the American and French armies and trapped Cornwallis at Yorktown, where the entire British army surrendered. Later the legislature investigated his administration and vindicated him, but Jefferson was embarrassed.  Jefferson was an efficient, systematic, indefatigable administrator with a knack for getting men to work together smoothly, but his militia could not match the British army. He coped with these problems with a degree of success or failure that remains controversial among scholars.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 4</ref>  

He suffered an irreparable loss when his beloved wife Martha died in 1782 and he gave up all idea of ever marrying again; they had three surviving daughters—Martha (1772–1836), Mary (1778–1804), and Lucy (1782–1784).

He suffered an irreparable loss when his beloved wife Martha died in 1782 and he gave up all idea of ever marrying again; they had three surviving daughters—Martha (1772–1836), Mary (1778–1804), and Lucy (1782–1784).

{{main|Notes on the State of Virginia}}

{{main|Notes on the State of Virginia}}

In 1780-83, Jefferson wrote his only book, ''Notes on the State of Virginia.''<ref>See [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/JEFFERSON/toc.html for complete text of ''Notes on the State of Virginia'']</ref> It was written in the form of answers to questions about the geography, natural resources, Indians, government and economy of Virginia, based on his own research. The book was first published in French in Paris in 1785 (and in English in 1787), and immediately Jefferson's scientific reputation in Europe, while debunking some outlandish theories, especially those of the eminent naturalist the [[Comte de Buffon]], to the effect that animals regressed to smaller size in the new world. Jefferson's coup came with the mammoth, the giant extinct animal, five times bigger than an elephant, whose tusks, grinders, and bones had been recently dug up in the western part of the state.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) pp 242-52;  Thomas O. Jewett, [http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2000_fall/jefferson_paleon.html "Thomas Jefferson Paleontologist," ''Early America Review'', Fall 2000 online]</ref>

In 1780-83, Jefferson wrote his only book, ''Notes on the State of Virginia.''<ref>See [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/JEFFERSON/toc.html for the complete text of ''Notes on the State of Virginia'']</ref> It was written in the form of answers to questions about the geography, natural resources, Indians, government and economy of Virginia, based on his own research. The book was first published in French in Paris in 1785 (and in English in 1787), and immediately Jefferson's scientific reputation in Europe, while debunking some outlandish theories, especially those of the eminent naturalist the [[Comte de Buffon]], to the effect that animals regressed to a smaller size in the new world. Jefferson's coup came with the mammoth, the giant extinct animal, five times bigger than an elephant, whose tusks, grinders, and bones had been recently dug up in the western part of the state.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) pp 242-52;  Thomas O. Jewett, [http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2000_fall/jefferson_paleon.html "Thomas Jefferson Paleontologist," ''Early America Review'', Fall 2000 online]</ref>

==Confederation Congress==

==Confederation Congress==

==1790s==

==1790s==

Jefferson returned from France in 1789 and became the first Secretary of State (1789-1793) in the cabinet of President [[George Washington]]. With his close ally [[James Madison]] (a member of the House) Jefferson opposed the Hamiltonian programs for national finance, especially assumption of state wartime debts and the [[First National Bank]]. Jefferson and Madison and created a new party, the Republicans, to oppose Hamilton's [[Federalist party]]. These were the first two modern political parties in the world (that is the first to reach out to the voters for support). Jefferson and his Republicans supported the French Revolution (from 1793 to 1800), while the Federalists favored Britain. According to authors [[Ann Coulter]], [[Christopher Ferrara]], and [[Conor Cruise O'Brien]], Jefferson supported the excesses for the French Revolution and to a certain extent the September Massacres and the execution of King Louis XVI that he even wrote to William Short the Adam and Eve Letter that made clear that he was willing to allow for all but two people of each country to be exterminated in the name of liberty, just a couple of weeks before King Louis XVI was killed.<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/past/docs/issues/96oct/obrien/adam.htm The "Adam and Eve" letter], From Thomas Jefferson to William Short</ref> and inferred that faith in the French Revolution had been his "polar star."<ref>''[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-26-02-0092 Notes on a Conversation with George Washington]''</ref><ref>Liberty, the God That Failed: Policing the Sacred and Constructing the Myths of the Secular State, from Locke to Obama, p. 196</ref><ref>[http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/616533.html Thomas Jefferson and the Impending Schism in the American Civil Religion]</ref> President Washington managed to maintain neutrality in the war between Britain and France. Hamilton had more influence than Jefferson, even in foreign policy, as shown by Hamilton's success in securing the [[Jay Treaty]] of 1795 that opened ten years of friendly trade with Britain.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 7</ref> Similarly, in 1787, Jefferson in a letter to William M. Smith, Jefferson stated there should be a revolution or rebellion every two decades, the same letter where he mentioned the blood of patriots and tyrants are needed to water the tree of liberty.   

Jefferson returned from France in 1789 and became the first Secretary of State (1789-1793) in the cabinet of President [[George Washington]]. With his close ally [[James Madison]] (a member of the House) Jefferson opposed the Hamiltonian programs for national finance, especially the assumption of state wartime debts and the [[First National Bank]]. Jefferson and Madison created a new party, the Republicans, to oppose Hamilton's [[Federalist party]]. These were the first two modern political parties in the world (that is, the first to reach out to the voters for support). Jefferson and his Republicans supported the French Revolution (from 1793 to 1800), while the Federalists favored Britain. According to authors [[Ann Coulter]], [[Christopher Ferrara]], and [[Conor Cruise O'Brien]], Jefferson supported the excesses of the French Revolution and to a certain extent the September Massacres and the execution of King Louis XVI that he even wrote to William Short the Adam and Eve Letter that made clear that he was willing to allow for all but two people of each country to be exterminated in the name of liberty, just a couple of weeks before King Louis XVI was killed.<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/past/docs/issues/96oct/obrien/adam.htm The "Adam and Eve" letter], From Thomas Jefferson to William Short</ref> and inferred that faith in the French Revolution had been his "polar star."<ref>''[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-26-02-0092 Notes on a Conversation with George Washington]''</ref><ref>Liberty, the God That Failed: Policing the Sacred and Constructing the Myths of the Secular State, from Locke to Obama, p. 196</ref><ref>[http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/616533.html Thomas Jefferson and the Impending Schism in the American Civil Religion]</ref> President Washington managed to maintain neutrality in the war between Britain and France. Hamilton had more influence than Jefferson, even in foreign policy, as shown by Hamilton's success in securing the [[Jay Treaty]] of 1795 that opened ten years of friendly trade with Britain.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 7</ref> Similarly, in 1787, Jefferson in a letter to William M. Smith, Jefferson stated there should be a revolution or rebellion every two decades, the same letter where he mentioned the blood of patriots and tyrants are needed to water the tree of liberty.   

Jefferson was defeated for president in the election of 1796 by [[John Adams]], but became vice president. When the [[Quasi War]] (that is undeclared war) with France broke out in 1798 and Federalists passed the [[Alien and Sedition laws]], Jefferson and Madison protested by secretly writing the [[Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions]] of 1798. They argued the right of state governments to nullify federal laws considered unconstitutional; this was the start of the [[States Rights]] theory that played a role in the coming of the [[American Civil War]] in 1861 and still plays a role in Constitutional debates.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 8.</ref>

Jefferson was defeated for president in the election of 1796 by [[John Adams]], but became vice president. When the [[Quasi War]] (that is undeclared war) with France broke out in 1798 and Federalists passed the [[Alien and Sedition laws]], Jefferson and Madison protested by secretly writing the [[Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions]] of 1798. They argued the right of state governments to nullify federal laws considered unconstitutional; this was the start of the [[States Rights]] theory that played a role in the coming of the [[American Civil War]] in 1861 and still plays a role in Constitutional debates.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 8.</ref>

==President: Successful first term, 1801-1805==

==President: Successful first term, 1801-1805==

Jefferson defeated Adams and was elected president in 1800, in what his supporters called the [[Revolution of 1800]].  In his first term Jefferson negotiated the [[Louisiana Purchase]] with France. then sent [[Lewis and Clark]] to explore the vast new lands. He set up a territorial system for the Louisiana purchase. He promoted reservations for Indians to settle them on fixed parcels of land and teach them farming (instead of hunting and raiding).<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 9</ref>   

Jefferson defeated Adams and was elected president in 1800, in what his supporters called the [[Revolution of 1800]].  In his first term, Jefferson negotiated the [[Louisiana Purchase]] with France. then sent [[Lewis and Clark]] to explore the vast new lands. He set up a territorial system for the [[Louisiana Purchase]]. He promoted reservations for Indians to settle them on fixed parcels of land and teach them farming (instead of hunting and raiding).<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 9</ref>   

Jefferson removed many Federalist office holders in order to balance the civil service between parties.  Bitterly opposed to strong judges, he had Congress abolish the lower courts the Federalists had created, and tried to impeach and remove two Federalist judges. He succeeded in removing one [[John Pickering|incompetent figure]] but was defeated when he tried to remove Supreme Court Justice [[Samuel Chase]].  Jefferson never dared attack Chief Justice [[John Marshall]], a Federalist who made the Supreme Court a bastion of nationalism, much to Jefferson's disgust.

Jefferson removed many Federalist officeholders to balance the civil service between parties.  Bitterly opposed to strong judges, he had Congress abolish the lower courts the Federalists had created, and tried to impeach and remove two Federalist judges. He succeeded in removing one [[John Pickering|incompetent figure]] but was defeated when he tried to remove Supreme Court Justice [[Samuel Chase]].  Jefferson never dared attack Chief Justice [[John Marshall]], a Federalist who made the Supreme Court a bastion of nationalism, much to Jefferson's disgust.

The [[First Barbary War]] was considered a success for both President Jefferson and the newly formed United States of America.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=aZazAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA170 Emperor of Liberty: Thomas Jefferson's Foreign Policy]</ref>

The [[First Barbary War]] was considered a success for both President Jefferson and the newly formed United States of America.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=aZazAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA170 Emperor of Liberty: Thomas Jefferson's Foreign Policy]</ref>

Jefferson's second term was marked by escalating tensions with both Britain and France (which were at war with each other). Jefferson's use of economic warfare, especially the [[Embargo of 1807]], failed, as he tried to crack down on New England merchants who defied laws that restricted their trade. Jefferson opposed building up the army or navy, insisting that the militia would suffice, aided by small gunboats.   

Jefferson's second term was marked by escalating tensions with both Britain and France (which were at war with each other). Jefferson's use of economic warfare, especially the [[Embargo of 1807]], failed, as he tried to crack down on New England merchants who defied laws that restricted their trade. Jefferson opposed building up the army or navy, insisting that the militia would suffice, aided by small gunboats.   

Most historians judge his military policies a major disaster. Neither the militia nor the gunboat proved to be of much use in the [[War of 1812]] with Britain. This war began three years after Jefferson left office.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 10</ref> Jefferson left the White House under a cloud and never ran for office again. The country was drifting toward war with Britain, but it remained woefully unprepared for such a war.<ref>Jefferson's secretary of state, James Madison, stated that if economic pressure did not get results, war was inevitable. (Wood, Gordon, ''Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815'' (2009), p. 661.)</ref>  

Most historians judge his military policies as a major disaster. Neither the militia nor the gunboat proved to be of much use in the [[War of 1812]] with Britain. This war began three years after Jefferson left office.<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 10</ref> Jefferson left the White House under a cloud and never ran for office again. The country was drifting toward war with Britain, but it remained woefully unprepared for such a war.<ref>Jefferson's secretary of state, James Madison, stated that if economic pressure did not get results, war was inevitable. (Wood, Gordon, ''Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815'' (2009), p. 661.)</ref>  

==Retirement==

==Retirement==

In political retirement Jefferson helped create and design the [[University of Virginia]], which he considered a major accomplishment. He believed that republican government depends on an informed citizenry; that education is a duty of the state; and that, while all should be given learning sufficient to enable them to understand their rights and duties as citizens, the "natural aristocracy" of virtue and talent should be drawn forth from the general mass and given every opportunity of public education. He continued through life to advocate this philosophy of education,<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 11</ref> and explained in detail his belief of what education should accomplish:

In political retirement, Jefferson helped create and design the [[University of Virginia]], which he considered a major accomplishment. He believed that republican government depends on an informed citizenry; that education is a duty of the state; and that, while all should be given learning sufficient to enable them to understand their rights and duties as citizens, the "natural aristocracy" of virtue and talent should be drawn forth from the general mass and given every opportunity of public education. He continued through life to advocate this philosophy of education,<ref>Peterson, ''Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation'' (1975) ch. 11</ref> and explained in detail his belief of what education should accomplish:

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

==Image and memory==

==Image and memory==

In the view of modern historians, Jefferson's party died out in the mid-1820s. Today's Democratic Party was founded in 1832 by [[Andrew Jackson]]. Jefferson's party is variously called Republican (the name Jefferson used), Democratic (used in New York and other states), or Democratic-Republican. This has led to a great deal of confusion. In the 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt built the Jefferson Memorial, emphasized Jefferson's supposed status as founder of the Democratic Party, and did much to promote the memory of Jefferson. Democratic states organization have held "Jefferson-Jackson Dinners" since 1945. Jefferson has also been commemorated in the names of many counties and schools. Conservative commentator [[George Will]] has called Jefferson the "Man of the Millennium"—that is the most influential person in world history over the last 1000 years. In 2015, Democrats in various states announced that the Jefferson-Jackson Dinners would be renamed, partly because Jefferson's status as a slaveholder now embarrasses the party.<ref>[http://article.wn.com/view/2015/07/24/out_jeffersonjackson_dinners_in_harry_truman_and_8216leaders_s/ Out: Jefferson-Jackson dinners. In: Harry Truman and ‘Leadership Blue’], WN, 2015-07-24</ref>

In the view of modern historians, Jefferson's party died out in the mid-1820s. Today's Democratic Party was founded in 1832 by [[Andrew Jackson]]. Jefferson's party is variously called Republican (the name Jefferson used), Democratic (used in New York and other states), or Democratic-Republican. This has led to a great deal of confusion. In the 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt built the Jefferson Memorial, emphasized Jefferson's supposed status as founder of the Democratic Party, and did much to promote the memory of Jefferson. Democratic state organizations have held "Jefferson-Jackson Dinners" since 1945. Jefferson has also been commemorated in the names of many counties and schools. Conservative commentator [[George Will]] has called Jefferson the "Man of the Millennium"—that is the most influential person in world history over the last 1000 years. In 2015, Democrats in various states announced that the Jefferson-Jackson Dinners would be renamed, partly because Jefferson's status as a slaveholder now embarrasses the party.<ref>[http://article.wn.com/view/2015/07/24/out_jeffersonjackson_dinners_in_harry_truman_and_8216leaders_s/ Out: Jefferson-Jackson dinners. In: Harry Truman and ‘Leadership Blue’], WN, 2015-07-24</ref>

==Jefferson's views==

==Jefferson's views==

:"Comparing them by their faculties of memory, reason, and imagination, it appears to me, that in memory they are equal to the whites; in reason much inferior...and that in imagination they are dull, tasteless, and anomalous."<ref>Jefferson, [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/JEFFERSON/ch14.html ''Notes on the State of Virginia'' ch 14]</ref>  

:"Comparing them by their faculties of memory, reason, and imagination, it appears to me, that in memory they are equal to the whites; in reason much inferior...and that in imagination they are dull, tasteless, and anomalous."<ref>Jefferson, [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/JEFFERSON/ch14.html ''Notes on the State of Virginia'' ch 14]</ref>  

Jefferson believed that, eventually, all Americans had to be free. His goals for unlimited national improvement were incompatible with slaves in America. Both slavery and the slave trade would have to be ended in favor of free commerce and free labor.  The key word for Jefferson was "amelioration," and it included several stages of national and moral development. First, Americans would abolish the slave trade. "Citizens," President Jefferson declared in 1806, should "withdraw . . . from all further participation in those violations of human rights which have been so long continued on the unoffending inhabitants of Africa" to promote "the morality, the reputation, and the best interests of our country."<ref>"Sixth Annual Message," December 2, 1806</ref>  Second, the owners should raise up the moral and intellectual levels of their slaves. As masters established ties of reciprocal obligation and sympathy with their slaves, they would prepare themselves—and their slaves for the emancipation and repatriation of all Africans back to Africa. He in fact did secure the abolition by Congress of the international slave trade in 1808. He owned slaves—some 200 at one time or another—but despite his theoretical opposition to slavery he was always so much in debt he could never free them.<ref>Christa Dierksheide,  "'The great improvement and civilization of that race': Jefferson and the 'Amelioration' of Slavery, ca. 1770–1826," ''Early American Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal'' 6#1 Spring 2008, pp. 165-197.</ref>

Jefferson believed that, eventually, all Americans had to be free. His goals for unlimited national improvement were incompatible with slaves in America. Both slavery and the slave trade would have to be ended in favor of free commerce and free labor.  The keyword for Jefferson was "amelioration," and it included several stages of national and moral development. First, Americans would abolish the slave trade. "Citizens," President Jefferson declared in 1806, should "withdraw . . . from all further participation in those violations of human rights which have been so long continued on the unoffending inhabitants of Africa" to promote "the morality, the reputation, and the best interests of our country."<ref>"Sixth Annual Message," December 2, 1806</ref>  Second, the owners should raise up the moral and intellectual levels of their slaves. As masters established ties of reciprocal obligation and sympathy with their slaves, they would prepare themselves—and their slaves for the emancipation and repatriation of all Africans back to Africa. He in fact did secure the abolition by Congress of the international slave trade in 1808. He owned slaves—some 200 at one time or another—but despite his theoretical opposition to slavery he was always so much in debt he could never free them.<ref>Christa Dierksheide,  "'The great improvement and civilization of that race': Jefferson and the 'Amelioration' of Slavery, ca. 1770–1826," ''Early American Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal'' 6#1 Spring 2008, pp. 165-197.</ref>

In his ''Memoirs'', Jefferson wrote that Congress struck out his clause of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence which dealt directly with slavery, because of "complaisance to South Carolina and Georgia", who did not make any attempts whatsoever to restrain the importation of slaves like the other colonies did.<ref name=memoir>[https://books.google.com/books?id=QQZFhE-bdZEC&pg=PA16 Memoirs Corespondence and Private Papers of Thomas Jefferson Late, President of the United States: Now First Published the Original Manuscripts]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6u5EAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA251 Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society]</ref>

In his ''Memoirs'', Jefferson wrote that Congress struck out his clause of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence which dealt directly with slavery, because of "complaisance to South Carolina and Georgia", who did not make any attempts whatsoever to restrain the importation of slaves like the other colonies did.<ref name=memoir>[https://books.google.com/books?id=QQZFhE-bdZEC&pg=PA16 Memoirs Correspondence and Private Papers of Thomas Jefferson Late, President of the United States: Now First Published the Original Manuscripts]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6u5EAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA251 Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society]</ref>

Over the years, claims of hypocrisy have been thrown Jefferson's way over the issue of slavery, but none other than President [[John Quincy Adams]] pointed out the logical consistency of Jefferson's views.(Quincy Adams was a lifelong, die-hard [[abolitionist]].)  Adams said:

Over the years, claims of hypocrisy have been thrown Jefferson's way over the issue of slavery, but none other than President [[John Quincy Adams]] pointed out the logical consistency of Jefferson's views. (Quincy Adams was a lifelong, die-hard [[abolitionist]].)  Adams said:

<blockquote>The inconsistency of the institution of domestic slavery with the principles of the Declaration of Independence was seen and lamented by all the southern patriots of the Revolution; by no one with deeper and more unalterable conviction than by the author of the Declaration himself. No charge of insincerity or hypocrisy can be fairly laid to their charge. Never from their lips was heard one syllable of attempt to justify the institution of slavery. They universally considered it as a reproach fastened upon them by the unnatural step-mother country and they saw that before the principles of the Declaration of Independence, slavery, in common with every other mode of oppression, was destined sooner or later to be banished from the earth. Such was the undoubting conviction of Jefferson to his dying day. In the Memoir of His Life, written at the age of seventy-seven, he gave to his countrymen the solemn and emphatic warning that the day was not distant when they must hear and adopt the general emancipation of their slaves.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=A3hRAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA50 An Oration Delivered Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport, at Their Request, on the Sixty-first Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1837]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The inconsistency of the institution of domestic slavery with the principles of the Declaration of Independence was seen and lamented by all the southern patriots of the Revolution; by no one with deeper and more unalterable conviction than by the author of the Declaration himself. No charge of insincerity or hypocrisy can be fairly laid to their charge. Never from their lips was heard one syllable of attempt to justify the institution of slavery. They universally considered it as a reproach fastened upon them by the unnatural step-mother country and they saw that before the principles of the Declaration of Independence, slavery, in common with every other mode of oppression, was destined sooner or later to be banished from the earth. Such was the undoubting conviction of Jefferson to his dying day. In the Memoir of His Life, written at the age of seventy-seven, he gave to his countrymen the solemn and emphatic warning that the day was not distant when they must hear and adopt the general emancipation of their slaves.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=A3hRAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA50 An Oration Delivered Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport, at Their Request, on the Sixty-first Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1837]</ref></blockquote>

Indeed, Jefferson as a legislator always stood against the institutions of slavery and the slave trade.  Even behind the scenes when people weren't looking, Jefferson sabotaged the future for slave holders.  After the passage of [[The Northwest Ordinance]] Jefferson worked with and bankrolled the efforts of a close friend, [[James Lemen]], who went to the area and was involved with making sure that Indiana and Illinois became "free soil" states.<ref>[https://www.jstor.org/stable/40193650 "A Mighty Contest'': The Jefferson-Lemen Compact Reevaluated ]</ref>

Indeed, Jefferson as a legislator always stood against the institutions of slavery and the slave trade.  Even behind the scenes when people weren't looking, Jefferson sabotaged the future for slaveholders.  After the passage of [[The Northwest Ordinance]], Jefferson worked with and bankrolled the efforts of a close friend, [[James Lemen]], who went to the area and was involved with making sure that Indiana and Illinois became "free soil" states.<ref>[https://www.jstor.org/stable/40193650 "A Mighty Contest'': The Jefferson-Lemen Compact Reevaluated ]</ref>

Helo and Onuf (2003) have explored the logic of Jefferson's philosophical position against slavery in light of his ownership of slaves and his belief that the wholesale and immediate emancipation of slaves would threaten the new Republic. Heavily influenced by the writings of political philosophers [[Charles de Montesquieu]], Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui, and especially Lord Kames, Jefferson grounded his position regarding slavery on the Kamesian principle that man was capable of moral development and, consequently, moral codes varied among different nations and progressed (or retrograded) over time in each nation. Kames posited that moral progress in a society, however, required a government. These concepts and others helped Jefferson shape his arguments in the Declaration of Independence, as rationale for the American Revolution. Moreover, they were the basis for his belief that slaves should be freed only when they could be assured of having their own government and a means, thereby, of self-determination as well as practical and moral education. Jefferson was convinced that emancipation on a large scale, before Virginia slaveholders and American society as a whole advanced morally, would precipitate racial violence and put the American experiment at risk.<ref>Ari Helo and Peter Onuf, "Jefferson, Morality, and the Problem of Slavery." ''William and Mary Quarterly'' 2003 60(3): 583-614. Issn: 0043-5597 Fulltext: [[History Cooperative]]</ref>

Helo and Onuf (2003) have explored the logic of Jefferson's philosophical position against slavery in light of his ownership of slaves and his belief that the wholesale and immediate emancipation of slaves would threaten the new Republic. Heavily influenced by the writings of political philosophers [[Charles de Montesquieu]], Jean-Jacques Burlamaqui, and especially Lord Kames, Jefferson grounded his position regarding slavery on the Kamesian principle that man was capable of moral development and, consequently, moral codes varied among different nations and progressed (or retrograded) over time in each nation. Kames posited that moral progress in a society, however, required a government. These concepts and others helped Jefferson shape his arguments in the Declaration of Independence, as the rationale for the American Revolution. Moreover, they were the basis for his belief that slaves should be freed only when they could be assured of having their own government and a means, thereby, of self-determination as well as practical and moral education. Jefferson was convinced that emancipation on a large scale, before Virginia slaveholders and American society as a whole advanced morally, would precipitate racial violence and put the American experiment at risk.<ref>Ari Helo and Peter Onuf, "Jefferson, Morality, and the Problem of Slavery." ''William and Mary Quarterly'' 2003 60(3): 583-614. Issn: 0043-5597 Fulltext: [[History Cooperative]]</ref>

===Religion===

===Religion===

Jefferson vehemently attacked Christianity, accusing the Christian God of being a "terrific character - cruel, vindictive, capricious, and unjust." Although some have claimed that Jefferson was merely citing the view of God that Jesus had criticized during his time.<ref name="let.rug.nl">http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/presidents/thomas-jefferson/letters-of-thomas-jefferson/jefl261.php</ref> He called Christianity "the most perverted system that ever shone on man"<ref>Letter to the Unitarian heretic Joseph Priestly. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-33-02-0336</ref> and said that he did "not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature." Christianity, according to Jefferson, was merely another religion "founded on fable and superstition." Jefferson argued that in the gospels, "we discover a groundwork of vulgar ignorance, of things impossible, of superstition, fanaticism and fabrication."<ref name="let.rug.nl"/> He denied the historicity and authenticity of the Scriptures, saying that "the authors of the gospels were unlettered and ignorant men and the teachings of Jesus have come to us mutilated, misstated and unintelligible."<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=R8Z4CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA243&lpg=PA243&dq=jefferson+The+authors+of+the+gospels+were+unlettered+and+ignorant+men+and+the+teachings+of+Jesus+have+come+to+us+mutilated,+misstated+and+unintelligible.%22&source=bl&ots=He8HlprFYm&sig=qBwKrB7qXHse6K0VsrcEXFkOlIA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVx72tw4_bAhXCq1kKHXtxDl8Q6AEISDAI#v=onepage&q=jefferson%20The%20authors%20of%20the%20gospels%20were%20unlettered%20and%20ignorant%20men%20and%20the%20teachings%20of%20Jesus%20have%20come%20to%20us%20mutilated%2C%20misstated%20and%20unintelligible.%22&f=false</ref> Of the Apostles, Jefferson had a particular hatred for Paul, the author of most of the Books contained in the New Testament. "Of this band of dupes and impostors [the apostles], Paul was the great Coryphaeus, and firm corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus."<ref>http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/1559</ref>

Jefferson vehemently attacked Christianity, accusing the Christian God of being a "terrific character - cruel, vindictive, capricious, and unjust." Although some have claimed that Jefferson was merely citing the view of God that Jesus had criticized during his time.<ref name="let.rug.nl">http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/presidents/thomas-jefferson/letters-of-thomas-jefferson/jefl261.php</ref> He called Christianity "the most perverted system that ever shone on man"<ref>Letter to the Unitarian heretic Joseph Priestly. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-33-02-0336</ref> and said that he did "not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature." Christianity, according to Jefferson, was merely another religion "founded on fable and superstition." Jefferson argued that in the gospels, "we discover a groundwork of vulgar ignorance, of things impossible, of superstition, fanaticism and fabrication."<ref name="let.rug.nl"/> He denied the historicity and authenticity of the Scriptures, saying that "the authors of the gospels were unlettered and ignorant men and the teachings of Jesus have come to us mutilated, misstated and unintelligible."<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=R8Z4CwAAQBAJ&pg=PA243&lpg=PA243&dq=jefferson+The+authors+of+the+gospels+were+unlettered+and+ignorant+men+and+the+teachings+of+Jesus+have+come+to+us+mutilated,+misstated+and+unintelligible.%22&source=bl&ots=He8HlprFYm&sig=qBwKrB7qXHse6K0VsrcEXFkOlIA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVx72tw4_bAhXCq1kKHXtxDl8Q6AEISDAI#v=onepage&q=jefferson%20The%20authors%20of%20the%20gospels%20were%20unlettered%20and%20ignorant%20men%20and%20the%20teachings%20of%20Jesus%20have%20come%20to%20us%20mutilated%2C%20misstated%20and%20unintelligible.%22&f=false</ref> Of the Apostles, Jefferson had a particular hatred for Paul, the author of most of the Books contained in the New Testament. "Of this band of dupes and impostors [the apostles], Paul was the great Coryphaeus, and firm corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus."<ref>http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/1559</ref>

Jefferson did not believe the words of Jesus or any other part of the Bible to be divinely inspired,<ref>[http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl261.htm Letter to William Short, August 4, 1820]</ref> but he considered Jesus a great moral teacher who created "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man."<ref>http://www.cooperativeindividualism.org/jefferson_m_03.html</ref> Believing that the doctrines of the historical Jesus had been greatly corrupted by ignorant and superstitious "pseudo-followers," Jefferson used a razor and a paste to assemble passages from the Synoptic Gospels into a new book commonly called the ''[[Jefferson Bible]]'', omitting references to divinity and miracles. However, he did not necessarily agree with everything that remained, writing, "I read [Jesus's doctrines] as I do those of other antient and modern moralists, with a mixture of approbation and dissent."<ref>[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID+@lit(ws03101)) Letter to William Short, April 13, 1820]</ref>

Jefferson did not believe the words of Jesus or any other part of the Bible to be divinely inspired,<ref>[http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl261.htm Letter to William Short, August 4, 1820]</ref> but he considered Jesus a great moral teacher who created "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man."<ref>http://www.cooperativeindividualism.org/jefferson_m_03.html</ref> Believing that the doctrines of the historical Jesus had been greatly corrupted by ignorant and superstitious "pseudo-followers," Jefferson used a razor and a paste to assemble passages from the Synoptic Gospels into a new book commonly called the ''[[Jefferson Bible]]'', omitting references to divinity and miracles. However, he did not necessarily agree with everything that remained, writing, "I read [Jesus's doctrines] as I do those of other ancient and modern moralists, with a mixture of approbation and dissent."<ref>[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID+@lit(ws03101)) Letter to William Short, April 13, 1820]</ref>

In an 1803 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, Jefferson declared that "I am a Christian," though his view of Christianity was different from most:

In an 1803 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, Jefferson declared that "I am a Christian," though his view of Christianity was different from most:

<blockquote>"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. ME 5:85, Papers 8:407

<blockquote>"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. ME 5:85, Papers 8:407

"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. ME 16:45</blockquote>

"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." -- Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. ME 16:45</blockquote>

<blockquote>"One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them." --Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796. ME 9:341</blockquote>

<blockquote>"One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them." --Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796. ME 9:341</blockquote>

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Jefferson was an admirer of [[Andrea Palladio]]; the Palladian influece may be seen at Thomas Jefferson's estate Monticello (1768 - 1809).<ref>[http://www.oldandsold.com/articles10/famous-buildings-51.shtml Famous Buildings In America]</ref>

Jefferson was an admirer of [[Andrea Palladio]]; the Palladian influence may be seen at Thomas Jefferson's estate Monticello (1768 - 1809).<ref>[http://www.oldandsold.com/articles10/famous-buildings-51.shtml Famous Buildings In America]</ref>

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Thomas Jefferson was among the many people who submitted a plan for the White House. His design, however, was not chosen. Instead, James Hoban, an Irish immigrant architect living in Charleston, [[South Carolina]], won the competition and a $500 prize, with a design modeled after Leister House in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]].<ref>[http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/nation/whitehse_2 The White House.]</ref>

Thomas Jefferson was among the many people who submitted a plan for the [[White House]]. His design, however, was not chosen. Instead, James Hoban, an Irish immigrant architect living in Charleston, [[South Carolina]], won the competition and a $500 prize, with a design modeled after Leister House in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]].<ref>[http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/nation/whitehse_2 The White House.]</ref>

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==Fake quotes and misattributions==

==Fake quotes and misattributions==

Many false quotations have been attributed to Jefferson, as have real quotes which were stated or written by other people.<ref>See the 28 fakes listed at [http://wiki.monticello.org/mediawiki/index.php/Category:Spurious_Quotations Spurious Quotations]</ref>

Many false quotations have been attributed to Jefferson, as have real quotes that were stated or written by other people.<ref>See the 28 fakes listed at [http://wiki.monticello.org/mediawiki/index.php/Category:Spurious_Quotations Spurious Quotations]</ref>

* Jefferson did NOT say, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine”.

* Jefferson did NOT say, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine”.

** Jefferson did write in 1787: "Societies exist under [...] governments of force: as is the case in all other monarchies and in most of the other republics. To have an idea of the curse of existence under these last, they must be seen. It is a government of wolves over sheep."<ref name="ReferenceA">Jefferson to James Madison, January 30, 1787; Boyd, Julian P., Charles T. Cullen, John Catanzariti, Barbara B. Oberg, et al, eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1950-. 11:92-93</ref>

** Jefferson did write in 1787: "Societies exist under [...] governments of force: as is the case in all other monarchies and in most of the other republics. To have an idea of the curse of existence under these last, they must be seen. It is a government of wolves over sheep."<ref name="ReferenceA">Jefferson to James Madison, January 30, 1787; Boyd, Julian P., Charles T. Cullen, John Catanzariti, Barbara B. Oberg, et al, eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1950-. 11:92-93</ref>