hods of dealing with the Federalists. Rejecting Jefferson’s policy involving territorial controversies with Spain, he led a small but forceful team of anti-Administration Republicans in the House of Representatives. As Jefferson’s second term ended, he reopened his campaign for a system of general education in Virginia. Jefferson was convinced that the institution could be the greatest achievement in a lifetime dedicated to the belief that truth makes men free. The institution or State University for Virginia was the first American University to be free of official church connection. The University of Virginia was Jefferson’s daily concern during his last seven years. He chose the books for the college library, drew up the curriculum, designed the buildings, and supervised their construction. The University opened in 1825 the winter before Jefferson’s death. Jefferson continued to pursue a multitude of other tasks. In his eightieth year he wrote on politics, sending President Monroe long expositions later known as the Monroe Doctrine. Jefferson’s life had been rich and deep, astonishing in its complexity, rewarding to his family, his friends, his fellow citizens, and to America. Jefferson died ten days before the fiftieth anniversary of American independence July 4, 1826. Jefferson symbolizes for many both the promise and the contradictions of America’s historical heritage. He was a plantation owner from Virginia who helped formulate the American Revolution and became the third President of the new country. He wrote the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s manifesto asserted that God had not created masters and servants, aristocrats and commoners. All had been “created equal”. All were entitled to human dignity. Jefferson was a landowner and engaged in ambitious building projects at Monticello and Poplar Forest. He unsuccessfully looked for an alternative crop to tobacco, and lik...
