Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States (1801-1809). He was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and played a crucial role in shaping the early years of the United States.
Jefferson was born into a wealthy family in Virginia and received a classical education. He studied law and became a successful lawyer, but his true passion was politics. He served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence, which declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.
As President, Jefferson is best known for his efforts to expand westward through the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. He also established policies that promoted individual rights and limited government intervention in people's lives. His belief in democracy and individual liberty led him to advocate for religious freedom, public education, and a free press.
Jefferson was also an accomplished writer and intellectual. He founded the University of Virginia and designed its campus, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also wrote extensively on topics such as politics, philosophy, agriculture, architecture, and science.
