Essay on John Trumbull, Thomas Jefferson, and Horace Mann

Introduction The 1800s to 1820s, America was still in its growing phase; it had gained independence only 25 years prior and was already becoming a great nation filled with proud, hard working men. Arts, architecture, business, and books were all a large part of society. Eighty percent of the population was farmers and the import of slaves to America was banned. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison had each been elected as President, in a government that was beginning to build a nation. â€Å"During this decade we were once again at war with England, in the War of 1812† (Sutton, 2008). Colleges were for the privileged, â€Å"The cost of education at Harvard was $300 a year† (Sutton, 2008). Slavery was still ramped in America and women had no†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"As the silent member of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence† (Freidel, 2006). Jefferson believed in the Constitution and as Senator of the state of Virginia , abided by it. The words of The Declaration of Independence written by Jefferson remain part of the verbiage today, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness (Biography.com, 2014). Jefferson continued his political career. He â€Å"succeeded Benjamin Franklin as minister to France in 1785† (Freidel, 2006). He traveled to France for five years, where he learned to appreciate the French culture, though he was considered to be uncultured. â€Å"Jefferson gradually assumed leadership of the Republicans, who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France† (Freidel, 2006). This caused a rift between the Republicans and the Democrats. â€Å"As a reluctant candidate for President in 1796, Jefferson came within three votes of election† (Freidel, 2006). According to the Constitution, this made Jefferso n the Vice President. In 1800, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in the running for President but the House of Representatives voted Jefferson in, witch made Burr his Vice