Thomas Jefferson Essay - 1217 Words

The title of the book that I read is Thomas Jefferson by Norman K. Risjord. This book was published in 1994. The biography I read was Thomas Jefferson and it was very enlightening and informative. The story began in Shadwell, Virginia where Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 and raised until he was approximately 18. Thomas Jefferson’s parents were well off, but his father died when Thomas was 14. When Jefferson was 17 years old, he got permission to attend the College of William and Mary. Thomas Jefferson did many things in his long life. Jefferson created the many different reforms. Jefferson spent a lot of his time at his home in Monticello with his wife and kids. Jefferson had books compiled on his notes of his home and its†¦show more content†¦I think it expanded greatly on Thomas Jefferson’s great qualities and only briefly stated any bad qualities he may have possessed, such as, speaking in public, Sally Hemmings and his slave ownership. Risjord willingly explains his wonderful writings like the Tea Act Reform (page 22) and the Declaration of Independence. (page 28-32) Even though Norman Risjord may have been somewhat sympathetic to Thomas Jefferson, I feel in no way was Norman Risjord apologetic towards Jefferson. Norman Risjord did and excellent job of stating the true facts about Thomas Jefferson without seeming apologetic or critical at any time. I feel that most of the time the book was a very fair and balanced appraisal of Thomas Jefferson. During this time period of this book, Jefferson and most all of the other main characters were faced with several hardships. The characters were, in one way or another, an integral part of putting America together. Jefferson was faced with several problems during that time. He and the other characters were faced with uneasiness of no knowing what would have been best for America. They were all experimenting with many new and different ideas of what might form the best America. The Louisiana Purchase is a good example of one of the problems during their time. In the long run this purchase turned out to be a good thing for our country, but at the time James Monroe had no idea how much land he actually obtained for the largeShow MoreRelatedWho Is Thomas Jefferson?993 Words   |  4 Pages Who is Thomas Jefferson? Matthew Backlin United States History 1 A CP October 18, 2015 Who was Thomas Jefferson? Most people just think of him as the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence or just one of our many presidents. That’s not the case. Jefferson was more than that, He was a very intelligent man and a loving father and grandfather. Thomas Jefferson was also an inventor and one of the most significant men in the history of makingRead MoreThomas Jefferson And The Constitution911 Words   |  4 Pagesopinions. However Thomas Jefferson the 4th president of the United States also known as the father of the constitution and Alexander Hamilton who was the author of the majority papers written as well as the leading member of the constitutional convention the both of them took part in creating the(factions) that lead to the political systems also known as democracy being introduced. James Madison was the principle intellecteal leader of the constitutional convention while Thomas Jefferson contributedRead MoreEssay on Thomas Jefferson1532 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Jefferson He is best remembered as a great president and as the author of the Declaration of Independence. He also won lasting fame as a diplomat, a political thinker, and a founder of the Democratic Party. Jeffersons interests and talents covered an amazing range. He became one of the leading American architects of his time and designed the Virginia Capitol, the University of Virginia, and his own home, Monticello. He greatly appreciated art and music and tried to encourage theirRead MoreEssay Thomas Jefferson1012 Words   |  5 Pages Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Albermarle County, Virginia. He was born in a simple four-room house in Shadwell, Virginia, what is now Monticello. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a planter who was a bright, brave, and strong man. His mother was a very gentle lady. She was boring under one of the most distinguished families in the area. His family had prospered since the first Jefferson arrived in America from Whales in 1612. Soon after Jef ferson’s birth, the French and British beganRead MoreThe Contributions Of Thomas Jefferson1474 Words   |  6 Pageshowever, there was a red-haired Virginian who was less than intimidating yet more literate and educated; he was credited for driving the nail in our retaliation against Britain’s lack of representation against the colonists. This man’s name was Thomas Jefferson, a historical figure who wasn’t expected to accomplish much based on his modesty; however, he achieved so many successful pursuits in which the most notable contributions will be included in the following main points: His general background/upbringingsRead MoreThomas Jefferson Essay753 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Jefferson Thomas Jeffersons ideals and beliefs were derived from a deep regard for life, liberty, and freedom. His concept of individual freedoms strongly disagreed with the notion of a guided republic which he believed concentrated a great deal unchecked power among a few people. This could have the potential of tyrannical government that might suppress personal freedoms of any kind especially those of religion, which Jefferson feels very strongly felt should be protected. AfterRead More Thomas Jefferson Essay869 Words   |  4 Pages Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 to Peter and Jane Jefferson. His exact place of birth is not known. But it is believed to be about five miles outside of Charlottesville. He had ten brothers and sisters, but many of them died very young. Jefferson was one of two surviving sons. He was sandy-haired, tall, and awkward. His nickname was â€Å"Long Tom.† He really enjoyed outdoor activities, especially riding, shooting, and canoeing. Jefferson was also great musician and a diligent worker whoRead More thomas jefferson Essay912 Words   |  4 Pages Thomas Jefferson was Born on April 13, 1743,on a farm called Shadwell, what is now called Monticello, in the county of Albermarle, Virginia. Jefferson was the third child in the family and grew up with six sisters and one brother. At the age of five, Jefferson was placed by his father, Peter Jefferson, at an quot;English school, for four years, where he developed an interest in botany, geology, cartography, and North American explorationquot;. After English school, was transferred to a Latin schoolRead MoreEssay on Thomas Jefferson841 Words   |  4 PagesFrance Was in favor of this Alliance with France Wanted to work with the British Repelled the judiciary Act of 1801 They were all for it Jefferson had dismissed many federalist and judges so they were against it. Part 2: Response Write a 350-word response to the following question: How â€Å"Jeffersonian† was Thomas Jefferson as president? Jefferson doesnt fit neatly into the label Jeffersonian†. Jeffersons commitment to the separation of church and state, his  Virginia Act for EstablishingRead MoreThe Problem With Thomas Jefferson 553 Words   |  2 PagesAs Christopher Hitchens said,â€Å"We make no saint of Thomas Jefferson—we leave the mindless business of canonization and the worship of humans to the fanatics—but aware as we are of his many crimes and contradictions we say with confidence that his memory and example will endure long after the moral pygmies who try to blot out his name have been forgotten.† Jefferson was a great politician, and â€Å"beacon of liberty† for the early Americans, but he was also flawed. Sure he’s well known for the aspiring