Thomas Jefferson – The Father of American History

By Anna Hicks

(April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826)

In the pantheon of American historical figures, Thomas Jefferson occupies a position of unparalleled significance. While George Washington is often hailed as the father of the nation, Thomas Jefferson arguably embodies the very spirit of American ideals and intellectualism, earning him the title of the "Father of American History." His contributions extend far beyond his tenure as the third President of the United States. He served as the Governor of Virginia during a critical period, was the first Secretary of State under President George Washington, and held the office of Vice President during John Adams’ administration. Crucially, he was a pivotal leader in the Continental Congress, the body that laid the groundwork for America’s emergence as an independent and sovereign nation.

But how deep does our understanding of Thomas Jefferson and his profound impact on American democracy truly run? Beyond the well-known facts, a tapestry of accomplishments and complexities reveals the multifaceted nature of this influential figure. Let us delve into some of the key highlights that define his enduring legacy.

The Declaration of Independence

Perhaps no single document is more closely associated with Thomas Jefferson than the Declaration of Independence. As the story goes, Jefferson initially hesitated to undertake the daunting task of drafting this seminal text. The weight of the responsibility, the potential for scrutiny, and the sheer magnitude of the undertaking gave him pause.

However, spurred on by the persistent encouragement of John Adams, Jefferson ultimately accepted the challenge. In a remarkable feat of intellectual prowess, he completed the initial draft of the Declaration in just seventeen days. The document’s opening lines, "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…," immediately established the gravity of the situation.

But it was the now-iconic sentence, "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 truly captured the essence of American aspirations. This single sentence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, became the cornerstone of American ideals, a beacon of hope for generations to come. It laid the philosophical foundation for America’s independence and articulated the core values upon which the new nation would strive to build its identity.

Shaping American Currency

The very coins and bills we use in our daily transactions bear the imprint of Thomas Jefferson‘s influence. Prior to the American Revolution, the colonies relied on British currency, a system that was inherently tied to the mother country. As the newly independent nation sought to establish its own distinct identity, the need for a uniquely American currency became paramount.

Jefferson, with his keen understanding of mathematics and economics, played a pivotal role in this process. He championed the adoption of the decimal system, advocating for the use of pennies, dimes, quarters, and dollars. This system, based on the logical and easily divisible number ten, offered a significant improvement over the complex and often confusing British system. Through his persuasive arguments and intellectual rigor, Jefferson successfully advocated for the establishment of the American currency system that remains in use to this day.

Architecting United States Policies

The formative years of the United States were a period of intense debate and deliberation as the fledgling nation sought to define its identity and establish its governing principles. During this critical period, Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in shaping many of the policies that would guide the nation’s future.

Whether serving as Secretary of State under President Washington or later as President himself, Jefferson authored and signed numerous documents that laid the groundwork for American governance. These documents addressed a wide range of issues, from defining the role of the Law of Nations in the new republic to outlining strategies for westward expansion, most notably through the Louisiana Purchase. Examining historical documents from this era reveals the elegance and precision with which Jefferson approached his role as both a politician and a philosopher, leaving an indelible mark on the nascent nation.

The Louisiana Purchase: A Defining Moment

As President, Thomas Jefferson orchestrated one of the most consequential land acquisitions in American history: the Louisiana Purchase. This strategic move, which doubled the size of the United States, proved to be a pivotal moment in the nation’s westward expansion and its rise to global prominence.

Jefferson recognized the immense potential of the vast territory, which stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. He understood that control of this land would provide access to vital resources, secure American trade routes, and ensure the nation’s long-term security.

To explore and map this uncharted territory, Thomas Jefferson handpicked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, two intrepid explorers who would lead the legendary Corps of Discovery on its historic expedition across the North American continent. The Lewis and Clark expedition, a direct result of Jefferson’s vision and leadership, not only expanded American knowledge of the West but also solidified the nation’s claim to this vast and resource-rich territory.

The Complexities of Slavery

While Thomas Jefferson is celebrated for his advocacy of liberty and equality, his relationship with slavery remains a complex and often troubling aspect of his legacy. He was, undeniably, a slave owner, a practice that stands in stark contrast to the ideals he espoused in the Declaration of Independence.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that Jefferson was a vocal opponent of slavery, recognizing its inherent injustice and its corrosive effect on American society. He drafted numerous laws aimed at curbing the expansion of slavery and ultimately abolishing it altogether. His efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful during his lifetime, reflect a deep-seated moral conflict and a genuine desire to address the issue of slavery within the framework of the existing political and economic realities.

To gain a more nuanced understanding of Thomas Jefferson‘s complicated relationship with slavery, resources such as the Jefferson Monticello historical site offer valuable insights into his evolving views and his attempts to reconcile his personal circumstances with his deeply held beliefs.

The Enduring Legacy of Thomas Jefferson

The historical record is clear: without Thomas Jefferson, the United States would undoubtedly be a different nation today. His contributions were fundamental to shaping the country’s identity, its values, and its trajectory on the world stage. He championed westward expansion, establishing a framework for respectful international relations, creating a national currency, initiating opposition to slavery, and leading a nation founded on the principles of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While many individuals contributed to the founding of the United States, Thomas Jefferson stands apart as a true visionary, the "Father of American History," whose ideas continue to resonate and inspire generations.

About the Author: Anna Hicks is the blogger behind paidtwice.com. While she once wanted to be a teacher, she now gets her history fix by writing on the subject. She also enjoys writing about DIY, personal finance, and her terrible cooking skills.

Also See:

Thomas Jefferson – The Sage of Monticello (bio by McFee, 1913)
George Washington
John Adams
Declaration of Independence
American Revolution
Louisiana Purchase
Heroes and Patriots in American History
American History (main page)
American History Photo Galleries
U.S. Presidents Photo Gallery