Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and an integral part of the movement for independence from the British Empire.
Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States after serving as Vice-President under John Adams, whom he went on to defeat to become President of the United States.
Thomas Jefferson was the first American Secretary of State, serving under George Washington. He was often at odds with Alexander Hamilton, a staunch proponent of Federalism.
Thomas Jefferson was the principal force behind American Expansionism. Executing the Louisiana Purchase where the U.S. acquired the ample Louisiana Territory from the French. He then commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the new western territory, to lay claim to it, conduct scientific research, help establish commerce and find efficient trade routes for commerce on water and land.
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many talents, speaking 5 languages with interests ranging from science to religion to architecture to philosophy. He was a leader in the cultural movement of intellectuals, known as the Enlightenment, advocating reason and individualism and the use of the scientific method to advance society.
