"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." (Jefferson, 1800).

The legacy bestowed upon each and every American living today is to fight against the tyranny that is caused by dictatorial and royal force.

Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743.  His father was a farmer in Virginia and Jefferson inherited the farm, Monticello, from him. The farm life suited him because although he studied law and was a famed and eloquent writer he was not one to live in the public eye, nor speak well to an audience.  His mild manner and well thought out concepts kept him a popular if not well known aristocrat.

Jefferson was the absolute pen that wrote the Declaration of Independence.  His intention was to free each and every man from the slavery and tyranny of the British courts.  This included, originally, all slaves that had been stolen, bought, and forced into physical labor.  Unfortunately the clause involving slaves did not make it through the Continental Congress and was stricken from the text.  In 1786 Jefferson was able to enact another rule, that of establishing religious freedom.

Jefferson was a statesman even without speaking often.  His fight against those who would force the colonies to live by the rule of King George of England would be remembered to this day.  He spent years as Secretary of State and minister to France.  The cooperation between the two countries would be useful during the Revolution against England and the gratitude of the American people was felt by the French in the years following the Historic battles.

Jefferson was involved in one of the original splits in political parties in America.  During his political career two factions split the people.  Federalists, and democratic republicans were created.  Federalists are much like the Democrats of today, in that they believe the Federal government should be involved in all the facets of the United States, being the ultimate control of all laws and enforcements.  The Democratic-Republicans are more like the Republicans of today, in that they believe that the citizens of the USA are thinking, sentient beings who are capable of most things on their own without government interference.  Thomas Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican.

Thomas Jefferson ran for President against John Adams, although reluctantly.  He lost the vote by three and became the Vice President under John Adams.  His political views were directly opposite those of Adams which made the Presidency quite a volatile experience during the tenure of Adams. 

In 1800 Jefferson became President but only after Alexander Hamilton claimed it.  Jefferson and his opponent, Aaron Burr had the same number of votes and although Hamilton liked neither candidate he expressed his interest in Jefferson being chosen.  This made Burr Jefferson's Vice President.  Jefferson won another election in 1805, with George Clinton being the Vice President. 

During his time in office the French Revolution had been resolved.  Because of the smaller need of military he slashed the military budget to the Army and the Navy.  He also cut the budget, and eliminated an unpopular whiskey tax.  Even though he reduced revenue to the government he was still able to reduce the national debt. 

Jefferson was given the opportunity to acquire more land for America when the Louisiana Purchase was inititated between the USA and France.  Napoleon was leader of France during the time of the Louisiana Purchase.

Jefferson was extremely interested in education as well as liberty and freedom.  He went back to his home in Montecello where he planned to build the University of Virginia. 

Jefferson died on July 4, 1826.  Only a few years after leaving the Presidency in 1809.  He left a legacy of Americans that should be followed today.  The ideals of rights, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.  All honorable and before their time during the time of Thomas Jefferson, but a habit for those of us living today.