what did thomas jefferson do

Thomas Jefferson was a key American Founding Father, best remembered as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and he served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He championed democracy, religious freedom, and individual rights, and was instrumental in shaping the early nation. Major accomplishments include the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the country, founding the University of Virginia, promoting the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and establishing America's first opposition political party. He also supported the peaceful transfer of political power, reduced the national debt, and worked to maintain neutrality in global conflicts during his presidency. Jefferson's legacy is complex as he was also a slave owner but advocated gradual emancipation.