With Greg Thomas: Jefferson at 250: The Man Behind the Declaration

Thomas Jefferson was more than the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He was an inventor, architect, political philosopher, educator, and America's third president. His ideas helped define the nation's understanding of liberty, government, and individual rights. In this episode, Greg Thomas and Victor Kubik  examine Jefferson's extraordinary life—from his upbringing in colonial Virginia to his lasting impact on American democracy. In this episode: Jefferson's early years and education in Virginia His inventive personality and lifelong intellectual curiosity Why Jefferson believed rights come from God—not government Writing the Declaration of Independence The struggle for religious liberty in Virginia Ending government support of an established church Jefferson's unconventional style as president The Louisiana Purchase and doubling the size of the United States The Lewis and Clark Expedition and America's westward vision The Embargo Act and Jefferson's greatest presidential setback Founding the University of Virginia Why Jefferson placed a library—not a chapel—at the center of the university The remarkable coincidence of Jefferson and John Adams both dying on July 4, 1826