1. Thomas Jefferson The Declaration of Independence

2. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Gifted writer, diplomat, political leader, inventor, architect, philosopher, and educator. Intense belief in equal rights and freedom. Crucial role in shaping of America

3. Early years… Graduated from College of William and Mary in 1762. Studied law for five years, and in 1767, received lawyer’s license.

4. Politics… 1769 – elected to Virginia House of Burgesses. Chosen to draft Declaration of Independence in 1776 because of his persuasive writings at Second Continental Congress.

5. Declaration of Independence We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

6. After Revolutionary War… Served as American Minister to France. Later became first Secretary of State in 1789. 1801 – Became third American President.

7. Monticello… 1809 – retired to Monticello, his Virginia home, where he spent his time reading and conducting scientific experiments. Helped to found University of Virginia.

8. Library of Congress Jefferson collected many books which became the basis for the Library of Congress.

9. Death… Thomas Jefferson died on July 4 th, 1826. Fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

10. Parallelism Refers to the repeated use of phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure or meaning.