The lives of former American Presidents Madison and JeffersonPPT
James MadisonEarly Life and EducationJames Madison, the fourth President of t...
James MadisonEarly Life and EducationJames Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was born on March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia. He was raised in a well-to-do plantation family and received a private education typical of the era. He studied at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and graduated in 1771.Revolutionary War ServiceDuring the American Revolutionary War, Madison served as a member of the Virginia Assembly and was instrumental in the drafting of the Virginia Constitution in 1776. He also played a role in urging Congress to adopt the Declaration of Independence.Political CareerAfter the war, Madison returned to Virginia and became a key figure in the state's political life. He represented Virginia in the Confederation Congress and was instrumental in drafting the Federalist Papers, a series of essays supporting the Constitution. Madison also helped to secure passage of the Constitution by Virginia and was a strong advocate for its ratification.PresidencyMadison was elected President in 1808 and served two terms. During his presidency, he oversaw the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which mapped the Oregon Trail, and he also signed into law the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the country. However, his presidency also saw the War of 1812 with Britain, in which Madison's military strategy proved controversial and his popularity declined.Later YearsAfter leaving office, Madison retired to his plantation, Montpelier, in Virginia. He remained active in politics, but saw his party, the Democratic Republicans, lose control of Congress. Madison's later years were also marred by personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife Dolley and his sister Lucy. He died on June 28, 1836, at age 85.Thomas JeffersonEarly Life and EducationThomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia. He was raised on his father's plantation and received private tutoring in mathematics, history, and science. Jefferson studied law at William and Mary College and was admitted to the bar in 1767.Revolutionary War ServiceDuring the American Revolutionary War, Jefferson served as a delegate to the Virginia Assembly and was instrumental in drafting the state's Declaration of Rights in 1776. He also represented Virginia at the Continental Congress and helped to secure passage of the Declaration of Independence.Political CareerAfter the war, Jefferson returned to Virginia and quickly rose through the political ranks. He represented Virginia in the Confederation Congress and helped to negotiate the peace treaty with Britain. Jefferson also served as governor of Virginia (1779-1780) during the height of the Revolutionary War. In 1789, he was named Secretary of State by President George Washington, serving until 1793. Jefferson's tenure as Secretary of State saw contentious issues arise with both France and Britain, but he successfully negotiated treaties with both nations that helped to establish peaceful relations.PresidencyJefferson was elected President in 1800 and served two terms. During his presidency, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the country, and sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous expedition to explore the American West. Jefferson also signed into law the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed freedom of speech, religion, and assembly to all Americans. However, his presidency also saw issues arise with Britain and France that threatened to lead to war. Jefferson's presidency is also marred by scandals within his cabinet, including Secretary of War James Monroe's embezzlement of government funds and Secretary of State James Madison's role in a failed attempt to purchase Maine from Spain. Jefferson's second term ended with his defeat by Republican candidate James Madison in 1808.Later YearsAfter leaving office, Jefferson retired to his plantation, Monticello, in Virginia. He remained active in politics and toured Europe in 1817 as a special envoy to negotiate treaties with Britain and France. Jefferson's later years were also Marred by personal tragedies, including the deaths of two daughters and his wife Jane. He died on July 4, 1826, fifty years to the day after signing the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson is buried at Monticello next to his wife Jane and his sister-in-law Martha Jefferson Randolph.