Thomas Jefferson - Slavery, Racism, Politics

Thomas Jefferson

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Explore the life of the man behind the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase

key events in the life of Thomas Jefferson

Trumbull, John: Declaration of Independence

Learn how the Declaration of Independence was drafted, reviewed by Congress, and adopted

Listen to Thomas Jefferson muse the differences between the American Revolution and the French Revolution

Jefferson, Thomas: memorandum to Mr. Short, 1788

For Students

Thomas Jefferson summary

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Even before his departure from France, Jefferson had overseen the publication of Notes on the State of Virginia. This book, the only one Jefferson ever published, was part travel guide, part scientific treatise, and part philosophical meditation. Jefferson had written it in the fall of 1781 and had agreed to a French edition only after learning that an unauthorized version was already in press. Notes contained an extensive discussion of slavery, including a graphic description of its horrific effects on both blacks and whites, a strong assertion that it violated the principles on which the American Revolution was based, and ...(100 of 7213 words)

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