As the colonies went to war with Great Britain.

This was a very dangerous time.

The British had a strong army, while the colonists were farmers, shopkeepers,

and tradesmen who had never fought in a war before.

But they had something powerful on their side, hope and a belief in freedom. While George Washington led the soldiers in battle,

Thomas continued working in the government. He helped write laws and make decisions that would

shape the future of the country. He knew that if the colonies won the war, they would need

a strong government to keep the new country together.

In 1779, Thomas Jefferson became the governor of Virginia.

It was a difficult time because the war was still raging, and British troops were attacking the state.

Virginia was an important place during the war, providing supplies and soldiers to the fight for independence.

As governor, Jefferson had to make quick decisions to protect Virginia's people, farms, and cities.

He helped organize militias, groups of local men who would fight to defend their land when needed.

The British Army saw Virginia as a

key target, and in 1781, they launched an invasion. Jefferson had to act fast, moving the

government to keep it safe from capture. British troops, led by General Benedict Arnold, a former American who had switched sides,

raided the capital of Richmond and burned buildings. Later, another British force, led by General

Cornwallis, attacked again. Jefferson barely escaped capture, fleeing on horseback just before soldiers arrived at his home.

Even though it was a frightening time, he continued to work for Virginia's freedom.

But war was not just fought with guns and soldiers, it was also fought with ideas.

While others led battles, Jefferson wrote letters and laws that helped people stay united

in the fight for independence.

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