Who Was Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas Jefferson was like a spider sitting in the middle of a triangular web, with the points of the web representing the United States, France and England.

He was a man of letters and wrote extensively to the most prominent politicians, lawyers, educators, scientists and philosophers of his day.

George. Where did it all go wrong? George Washington could have had a comfortable career as a loyal member of HIs Majesty's Virginia militia and colonial grandee. But no, he had to go and roll the dice. I am thrilled in this episode to be talking to historian Alexis Coe about her new biography of Washington. She has a fresh take on the first President, but no less scholarly for that.

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He was a polymath, an expert in many different areas, including politics, law, architecture, science and philosophy. He was famous for his great reading ability and wonderful library (which after he died became the origin of the Library of Congress).

Jefferson’s house, Monticello, which he designed himself.

Because of this, Thomas Jefferson, the Third President of the United States, can act as a valuable guide to the history of the United States immediately following the Revolution.

Through his many writings, speeches and letters, we can piece together the evidence that helps us understand the foundations of the United States, and understand political, social, religious and economic arguments that are still important in the United States today.

John Adams, one of Jefferson’s closest friends but also one of his most formidable political rivals.

Dan takes a walk around Colonial New York with Karen Quinones (of Patriot Tours) to explore the great battle and in its original setting.

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