Directions: Open a Word Document. Copy and Paste Each Question Onto It and Save to Your

Thomas Jefferson WebQuest

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia was most famous as the writer of the Declaration of Independence. He would hold several positions in government, including that as third president of the United States. Complete the following activity to learn more about Jefferson's life, ideas, and politics.

Directions: Open a word document. Copy and paste each question onto it and save to your “P” drive. Research the answers, and then type your responses. When finished, print a hard copy.

(1) Discover Jefferson’s early childhood. Find out where Jefferson grew up? What aspects of Jefferson’s child and adolescent years had the greatest impact on his development as a man?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/tj3.html

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jefflife.html

http://www.monticello.org/jefferson/biography.html

(2) What would you say about Jefferson’s personality based upon his daily schedule?

http://www.monticello.org/jefferson/dayinlife/sunrise/home.html

(3) Before Jefferson became President what other political positions/offices did he hold?

http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/tjefferson.html

(4) In Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration address, how does he view the office of President? How does he intend on uniting the nation?

http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres16.html

(5) In 1803, the United States purchased the vast Louisiana territory from Napoleon of France. Why was the Louisiana Purchase important to the United States?

http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/louisiana-purchase

http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/louisiana/index.html

(6) Jefferson was eager to explore the new Louisiana territory. In 1803, he appointed Meriwether Lewis to lead an expedition from St. Louis to the Pacific coast. Lewis chose William Clark to be his second in command. What were five things you learned about the Lewis and Clark expedition?

http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/

http://www.edgate.com/lewisandclark/

http://www.lewisclark.net/journals/index.html

http://www.monticello.org/jefferson/lewisandclark/preparations.html

(7) Jefferson had many problems during his second term in office. Britain and France both threatened American shipping. American ships were being seized and Great Britain had decided to blockade Napoleon’s European ports. In response to these actions Jefferson convinced Congress to declare an embargo, or a ban on exporting products to other countries. Using this information discuss the effectiveness of the Embargo Act of 1807 as addressed in the political cartoon of the period.

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/images/vc199.jpg

(8) Monticello was Jefferson’s beloved home. Much of Monticello was designed by Jefferson. After looking at Jefferson’s house describe the style of architecture used, and identify three characteristics of that style. Take a tour of Jefferson’s home. What is one of your favorite rooms? What makes that room interesting to you?

http://www.monticello.org/

http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/Jeffersn.html

Build your own version of Monticello at:

http://classroom.monticello.org/teachers/activities/activity/127/Build-Your-Own-House/

Email a copy to me at .

(9) Jefferson was very interested in scientific discoveries and modern-day conveniences. At Monticello Jefferson spent much time tinkering. Several of his inventions are still at Monticello today. He also acquired other people’s inventions to make his life easier. After viewing some of the innovations at Monticello discuss how Jefferson exemplifies characteristics of a man who lived during the Age of Reason.

http://www.monticello.org/search/monticello_search/innovations

(10) Jefferson was rumored to have had a relationship with one of his slaves Sally Hemings. What do some scientists and historians believe about this issue?

http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings-jefferson_contro.html

(11) Quotes: Thomas Jefferson - Look at three of Thomas Jefferson’s quotes and put them into your own words. What do these quotes tell us about the man?

http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Thomas_Jefferson

Lesson Source: http://www.fhs.d211.org/departments/socialstudies/mbrotsos/ush/10ushandouts/06/jefferson.htm

Google Images: Retrieved February 12, 2013