An enormous collection of the original text of the personal letters written by Thomas Jefferson between 1743 and 1826 to many influential political leaders and friends.

Included here are Thomas Jefferson's two inaugural addresses and his State of the Nation speeches. You can follow Jefferson's increased distress concerning the young nation's treatment by European nations. Fascinating reading.

[Free Registration/Login Required] After a brief description of Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's contributions to the early ideology and government of the new United States in their authorship of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, this essay discusses the dangers of factionalism that threatened the success of the new country. Jefferson's and Madison's handling of these problems when they were president was instrumental in giving the United States a good chance of enduring.

Students will explore via primary sources, the success of Lewis and Clark's expedition, and develop skills in analyzing documents and artifacts.

A video featuring the Declaration of Independence. Tom Brokaw addresses why the Continental Congress found the need for the revolutionary document. [4:00]

Lesson plan assesses historical thinking skills by providing two primary sources on Thomas Jefferson's views on the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase.

This is a full unit of study from iCivics, featuring multiple lesson plans with presentations, downloadable documents, and more. This library of mini-lessons targets the people, ideas, and events that influenced the development of America's government. Each mini-lesson includes a one-page reading and a one-page activity, and is appropriate for a variety of uses. Unlike the iCivics lesson plans, these mini-lessons are designed for students to complete independently without the need for teacher direction. However, they also make great teacher-directed lessons or even class conversation-starters, and multiple mini-lessons can be combined to make a longer lesson.

Compare the meanings of "freedom" and "liberty." Students watch a video about what liberty meant to Thomas Jefferson, then consider different definitions of the word "liberty" by analyzing founding documents of both the United States and the state of Montana.

This site from The History Place provides a timeline of American history between 1784 and 1790. Mentions many famous people and events of the era. Links to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, James Madison, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, George Washington (and his inaugural address), the Northwest Ordinance, and Federalist Papers as well as to other timelines surrounding this period.

A consice biography of President Thomas Jefferson. Find details about the era, domestic policy, foreign affairs, and his presidental politics.

Short animated video [1:07] on Thomas Jefferson and his influence on the presidency. Accompanied by background essay for students to read before watching and a student handout to follow along with the video. Lists National Education Standards.

Thomas Jefferson's account of events leading up to and the actions of the First Continental Congress, including information about the Committees of Correspondence which communicated through Circular Letters.