Thomas Jefferson1743-1826

Vice-President to John Adams President First Secretary of State Governor of Virginia Minister to France Wanted to be remembered for 3 things:

Drafting the Declaration of Independence Writing the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom Founding the University of Virginia

A busy man…

Born in Virginia Inherited 2750 acres of land when his father died when he

was 14. Studied law at the College of William and Mary and was

then admitted to the bar. Continental Congress delegate…got angry when they

changed part of what he wrote for the Declaration of Independence.

Never far from political life…he “retired” several times Wrote over 55,000 manuscripts and letters Did not trust government that was too involved.

Busy, busy

Discusses that all states did not originally want to declare independence.

It was requested that he write the Declaration of Independence…he’s not the one that put his name forth.

Some delegates only agreed to sign in for the sake of unanimity.

Some of his harsher wording was changed because the delegates wanted to keep decent ties to family, friends, and business partners in Britain.

The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson

A good chunk of this is a list of grievances. Starts by saying that it is our God-given right to

govern ourselves and that “all men are created equal.”

No one can stop us from pursuing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

This has been a long time coming, and it is our right and duty to rebel against a tyrannical government.

The changed parts are underlined and shown to the side.

Declaration of Independence

Prevented new laws that help the public. Won’t give his consent for new laws. People have to give up their representation. Calls for legislative meetings at random times

and places. Dissolves legislature houses. Leaves them exposed to invasion by not allowing

them control over their armed forces. Limits who can move to the colonies.

Highlight of Grievances

Refuses to allow judiciary powers to be established. Judges are 100% dependent on his will. Created random new offices. Military doesn’t answer to the colonial government. Plundered the coast and pillaged the towns like a

pirate. Ignores petitions sent to him. Pits the colonies against each other.

More Grievances…

Therefore, we declared ourselves the United States of America and will no longer submit to any British rule.

This is agreed upon by each of the 13 colonies.

They pledge their lives, fortunes, and honor to this cause.

So…