Thomas Jefferson.Docx

An influential person is someone who made a difference in society, good or bad. Thomas Jefferson is an influential person because he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson is an influential person because he changed society today. Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743. In 1762, Thomas Jefferson graduated from the College of William and Mary. He was admitted to the bar in 1767 after an exceptionally thorough preparation in legal theory. Thomas Jefferson lived the life of a wealthy Virginia aristocrat until the outbreak of the American Revolution. He married Martha Wayles Skelton on January 1, 1772. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson wrote a Summary View of the Rights of British America. Four years later, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence with the help from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Thomas Jefferson was elected governor in 1779 and was in office when Virginia was devastated in 1780 and 1781 (Nardo 8). He got blamed for lack of protection, even though he had little authority. In 1785 through 1789, Thomas Jefferson served as a minister to France. One year later, he became the first United States secretary of state. He then was elected vice-president of the United States in 1796 and later becoming the president of the United States in 1801. While being president, he purchased the Louisiana territory from France for fifteen million dollars. Once again, Thomas Jefferson was elected president for his second term in 1804. He then retires to Monticello in 1809. From 1816 to 1819, he helped find the University of Virginia. Sadly, 7 years later, he died on July 4 (“Thomas Jefferson”). Thomas Jefferson had many achievements in his life. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He wasn’t so successful in Virginia. When he became governor, he was blamed for Virginia being destroyed from the British. After that he felt very embarrassed. A couple years after that, he served as minister in France. His most notable accomplishment in Congress was securing adoption of the decimal system of coinage. Next, he became the secretary of state (Nardo 8). President George Washington asked him to be secretary. Thomas Jefferson was elected vice-president in 1796 and then 5 years later, he became president of the United States for 2 terms from 1802 through 1809. During the first term, Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. Thomas Jefferson was most proud of being the author of the Declaration of Independence, the author Virginia Statue of Religious Freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia (“Thomas Jefferson”). Thomas Jefferson accomplishments made him an influential person. Writing the Declaration of Independence is influential because the Declaration of Independence made all people equal, man or woman. During his presidential years, he made the decision to purchase the Louisiana Territory even though it cost fifteen million dollars(Thomas Jefferson 2011). He was father of the University of Virginia. A university was influential because it is a big change in society. All these influences had a positive change because the Declaration of Independence made everyone equal and is still around today, the Louisiana Territory helped the United States gain some land, and the university helped students learn and get a good job (Nardo 8). Some of Thomas Jefferson influences are still used today. For example, he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He also bought the Louisiana Territory and found the University of Virginia. How else did Thomas Jefferson influence us today?