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Birth
Thomas Jefferson is born in Shadwell, VA. His parents were Peter Jefferson, and Jane Randolph Jefferson -
Jefferson is elected to the House of Burgesses.
Jefferson is elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. This is tone of the first examples of a democratic republic in North America. -
Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independance
Jefferson worked with four other men (Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and James Madison) to create the Declaration of Independence. -
Thomas Jefferson becomes the governor of Virginia
In 1779, Jefferson becomes the Governor of Virginia. Sadly, his time as governor was short as he left office as soon as his tenure expired. He had been wildly unsucsessful as Virginia was defeated twice by the British. -
Jefferson becomes the U.S. minister to France.
Jefferson, formerly an apprentice under Benjamin Franklin, now becomes the minister to France due to Ben Franklin's retirement. He is known for helping continue the peace with France. -
George Washington appoints Jefferson Secretary of State
George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, appointed Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State. Jefferson left the position because of Washington's choice to choose James Madison's advice over his. -
Jefferson is elected Vice President of the United States
After coming in second in the election of 1796. Jefferson was placed in the position of Vice President under John Adams. -
Jefferson is elected President
Jefferson, after losing to John Adams in the election 1796, won the presidency. During his two terms, he cut the size of the military believing in state's rights and having a weak central government. -
The Louisiana purchase doubles the size of the U.S.
In 1803, Jefferson negotiated with the French emperor, Napolean Bonaparte, for the port of New Orleans. However, he gained much more land due to Napolean's need for money. Napolean sold all of his territory in North America for 15 million dollars. -
Lewis and Clark Exploration
Thomas Jefferson sends Merriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the land beyond the Mississippi. This exploration will uncover many secrets hidden in the Great Plains such as bears and prairie dogs. -
Jefferson retires from politics after his two term presidency.
Jefferson retires from politics after his two terms. He, along with all but one president, will only serve two terms.
