The Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson’s Influences

Discover the key thinkers who influenced Thomas Jefferson and reflect on how those thinkers inspired Jefferson’s writings, especially the Declaration of Independence. Students study the key ideas and principles that served as the foundation of Jefferson’s writings and consider the relevance of those ideas and principles today.

About the Author:
David Kendrick is in his 24th year of teaching, his fourth at Loganville High School in Loganville, Georgia. Currently, he teaches AP human geography, advanced American government and advanced U.S. history. He has a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Valdosta State University, a Masters of Education in social studies education and an Education Specialist in reading, both from the University of Georgia. He serves on the board of trustees for the Georgia Council for the Social Studies as a past president and its historian. In addition, Mr. Kendrick is an elected member of the National Council for the Social Studies’s board of directors and recently was elected vice-president of NCSS for a term and will assume the office of president of NCSS in 2027.