Jefferson

Definition

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, a Founding Father, and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His political philosophy emphasized individual liberty, democracy, and the protection of human rights, aligning with Enlightenment ideals and influencing the development of civil rights in America.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence:

A historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional doctrines, profoundly influencing Jefferson’s thoughts.

Civil Rights:

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, a concept deeply embedded in Jefferson’s writings on liberty and democracy