Everything you need to understand or teach American Sphinx by Joseph Ellis.
American Sphinx traces the trajectory of Thomas Jefferson's life at key points in his career. Author Joseph Ellis focuses on Jefferson's high points of achievement. These include the writing of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's sojourn in Paris and his first term as president. Two of Jefferson's respites at his beloved plantation, Monticello, are also included. This technique allows Ellis to focus on Jefferson's most outstanding achievements while glossing over embarrassments such as Jefferson's term as Governor of Virginia. The prologue and appendix of the book address the most burning question that people often have about Jefferson, his alleged relationship with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.
As a stylish young aristocrat, Jefferson traveled to the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1775. Jefferson was surrounded by brilliant speakers in Philadelphia, including John Adams and Ben Franklin. Throughout his life, Thomas Jefferson was a poor public speaker. Public speaking was... View more of the American Sphinx Summary
American Sphinx Lesson Plans contain 103 pages of teaching material, including:
