Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

1997
1 Season
8.0
Documentary

The complex life of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote that "all men are created equal" yet owned slaves, is recounted by master filmmaker Ken Burns in this probing documentary. Covering Jefferson's diplomatic work in France, his two presidential terms, his retirement at Monticello and more.

Episodes

Part 1
E1Feb 18, 19971h 27m

Part 1

Jefferson also made himself into a true renaissance man – a scholar, a philosopher, a diplomat, an aesthete, and an architect. As a young man, he was transformed by the fire of the Enlightenment into America’s most articulate voice for human liberty.

Part 2
E2Feb 19, 19971h 25m

Part 2

Jefferson’s last years were spent founding the University of Virginia and reestablishing his friendship, after decades of estrangement, from his onetime rival John Adams. His influence on and vision for our country reverberates to this day.

Top Cast

Sam Waterston

Sam Waterston

Thomas Jefferson (voice)

Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

Martha Jefferson

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow

Jefferson's grandaughter (voice)

Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis

Narrator (voice)

Michael Potts

Michael Potts

Isaac