Thomas Jefferson: Early Life, Education and Professional Life, and Political Achievements

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History: Thomas Jefferson

Undoubtedly, one of the most momentous times in the history of the United States was the Declaration of Independence from British colonialists. It marked the culmination of a unanimous decision by thirteen states to dissolve the political bands that attached them to Britain. Some of the states included Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, and New York. The crucial document was unveiled on July 4, 1776, and detailed why the states deemed it necessary to enjoy autonomy. Some of the fundamental reasons listed in the document entailed a scathing attack on the person of the then-king of Britain. In part, it categorically described him as a person with a history of repeated injuries and usurpations (National Archives par. 2). In a nutshell, the Declaration of Independence was a collation of the reasons that made it necessary to break away from Britain. It also outlined the features of an ideal government. The crafting of the document involved the collective and concerted efforts of various national figures, especially members of Congress, whose immense contributions are cast in stone. One such figure who was remarkably involved in drafting the document was Thomas Jefferson. That said, it would be prudent to look at his early life, education and professional life, and political achievements.

Early Life

Thomas Jefferson was born on his father's plantation in central Virginia on April 13, 1743. His father's name was Peter Jefferson, and he was a successful planter and surveyor (Monticello par. 1). His mother was Jane Randolph, a member of one of the most respected families in Virginia at the time. At the age of fourteen, Jefferson inherited a sizeable chunk of land following the death of his father. The estate, measuring approximately 5,000 acres, included the farmhouse at Shadwell, but his dream was to settle on a mountain. As such, in 1768, he gave out a contract for the clearing of a 250-square-foot site on the topmost part of an 868-foot mountain that rose above