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.
French sculptor Auguste Rodin took inspiration from the classical art he saw at the British Museum in 1881. Now Janina Ramirez returns to that very same institution to guide us round the exhibition of his iconic works and ancient influences, displayed here side-by-side for the first time.Watch Now
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.
Historian Ben Wilson, author of Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy, talks to Dan Snow about how Britain shaped the modern world. Listen Now
