Thomas Jefferson

Overview

Ken Burns explores the contradictions of Thomas Jefferson—the man who penned "all men are created equal" while holding slaves. This documentary traces his diplomatic years in France, his two terms as president, and his final days at Monticello, painting a nuanced portrait of a founding father whose ideals collided with his actions.

Episodes

• 1
  

  Part 1

  Jefferson shaped himself into a true Renaissance figure—scholar, philosopher, diplomat, connoisseur, and architect. In his youth, the spark of the E...

  Feb 18, 1997
• 2
  

  Part 2

  In his final years, Jefferson focused on establishing the University of Virginia and mending his long-broken friendship with former rival John Adams. ...

  Feb 19, 1997