1. Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826

2.  Vice-President to John Adams  President  First Secretary of State  Governor of Virginia  Minister to France  Wanted to be remembered for 3 things:  Drafting the Declaration of Independence  Writing the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom  Founding the University of Virginia A busy man…

3.  Born in Virginia  Inherited 2750 acres of land when his father died when he was 14.  Studied law at the College of William and Mary and was then admitted to the bar.  Continental Congress delegate…got angry when they changed part of what he wrote for the Declaration of Independence.  Never far from political life…he “retired” several times  Wrote over 55,000 manuscripts and letters  Did not trust government that was too involved. Busy, busy

4.  Discusses that all states did not originally want to declare independence.  It was requested that he write the Declaration of Independence…he’s not the one that put his name forth.  Some delegates only agreed to sign in for the sake of unanimity.  Some of his harsher wording was changed because the delegates wanted to keep decent ties to family, friends, and business partners in Britain. The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson

5.  A good chunk of this is a list of grievances.  Starts by saying that it is our God-given right to govern ourselves and that “all men are created equal.”  No one can stop us from pursuing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  This has been a long time coming, and it is our right and duty to rebel against a tyrannical government.  The changed parts are underlined and shown to the side. Declaration of Independence

6.  Prevented new laws that help the public.  Won’t give his consent for new laws.  People have to give up their representation.  Calls for legislative meetings at random times and places.  Dissolves legislature houses.  Leaves them exposed to invasion by not allowing them control over their armed forces.  Limits who can move to the colonies. Highlight of Grievances

7.  Refuses to allow judiciary powers to be established.  Judges are 100% dependent on his will.  Created random new offices.  Military doesn’t answer to the colonial government.  Plundered the coast and pillaged the towns like a pirate.  Ignores petitions sent to him.  Pits the colonies against each other. More Grievances…

8.  Therefore, we declared ourselves the United States of America and will no longer submit to any British rule.  This is agreed upon by each of the 13 colonies.  They pledge their lives, fortunes, and honor to this cause. So…