Thesis Statement For Thomas Jefferson

Thesis Statement and Annotated Bibliography
Thesis Statement: Thomas Jefferson is one of the most beloved historical figures in history. Jefferson’s fame is due to his eloquent historical documents he has written such as, The Declaration of Independence, The Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and his many letters of correspondence. Although he is beloved by all, with that love comes controversy. Jefferson was the author who wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “All men are created equal,” but he was still holding men, woman and children against their will in bondage. He was a slave owner. Among his slaves were that of his own and the ones he inherited from his father in law’s estate. These slaves built and maintained his grand plantation of Monticello. During his life in politics Jefferson was struggling with the reality of being a slave owner, he and many of the other founding fathers, including James Monroe, believed it to be wrong. During the years of his childhood he …show more content…
It describes his passions and influences in American Politics, his determination to succeed and his failures as a great man. Meacham includes chapters based upon his childhood, his achievements a as scholar and student, to his struggles to becoming a great leader. He describes Jefferson as” A Founder whose understanding of power and of human nature enabled him to move men and marshal ideas, to learn from his mistakes and to prevail…” This portrayal of Jefferson sheds light on the influences, ideas and understandings that helped him be a part of shaping a new nation. Meacham’s point of view is that Jefferson, in his opinion, is most influential political leaders of the early republic. The limitations of this book, are that it dwells more upon Jefferson’s greatness than his flaws. It becomes a philosophical adaptation of Jefferson’s life, focusing more on his passions as a person, than a political