Introduction
This article explores Thomas Jefferson’s legacy in American memory by examining his complicated relationship with slavery and his views on liberty. Bickford, a political science professor, and Hendrickson, a history professor, are experts in American political history, lending authority to their analysis. The article is intended for scholars, researchers, and students interested in American history and political philosophy. The source is relevant to researching Jefferson’s views on slavery and his role in American history. Compared to other sources, Bickford and Hendrickson provide a comprehensive examination of Jefferson’s relationship with slavery while acknowledging his contribution to American political thought.
Discussion
Jefferson’s ownership of enslaved people, his views on the inferiority of African Americans, and his political actions regarding slavery. The intended audience for this source is a general reader seeking a comprehensive overview of Jefferson’s involvement in slavery and racism. This source is relevant to research on Thomas Jefferson’s legacy and the history of slavery in the United States. This source can be compared to other sources on the same topic, such as the Monticello website and the book “An Inquiry into Liberty, Slavery, and Thomas Jefferson’s Place in American Memory” by Bickford and Hendrickson, as it provides a more general overview of Jefferson’s role in slavery and racism.
Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia is a book that provides an extensive account of Virginia’s geography, flora and fauna, society, and politics. Jefferson also includes discussions on slavery and race, expressing his belief in the superiority of white people and the inferiority of Black people. The intended audience for the book was primarily European intellectuals interested in learning more about the New World and American society, but it also influenced American policymakers and the general public. The book is a valuable source for understanding Jefferson’s views on race and slavery, providing insight into the attitudes of a critical figure in American history toward these controversial issues. However, it is essential to note that Jefferson’s writings should be read critically, particularly regarding his beliefs on race and slavery, which scholars and historians have criticized and debated. Comparison with other sources on the subject of Jefferson’s attitudes towards slavery, such as Bickford and Hendrickson’s article, can provide a broader perspective on the topic and help contextualize Jefferson’s views within the broader historical and social context of his time.
The Monticello website provides a comprehensive overview of Thomas Jefferson’s attitudes toward slavery, including his beliefs about race and his views on the institution of slavery. The article examines various primary sources, such as Jefferson’s letters and writings, to fully understand his complex relationship with slavery. The Monticello website is the official site of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which operates the Monticello estate and museum. The Foundation is an authoritative source on everything related to Thomas Jefferson, and its scholarship is widely respected in the academic community. The intended audience of this source is likely general readers interested in learning more about Thomas Jefferson’s views on slavery and race. This source is relevant to research on Thomas Jefferson’s role in the history of slavery in the United States and his impact on the development of American democracy. Compared to other sources, the Monticello website offers a detailed and nuanced exploration of Jefferson’s attitudes towards slavery and race, drawing on a range of primary sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.
This article explores the intellectual origins of Thomas Jefferson’s views on slavery and argues that the writings of the French philosopher Montesquieu significantly influenced his opinions. Scherr is a professor of history at Washington State University and has published extensively on early American history. The intended audience for this article is likely scholars and academics in American history and political science. This resource is highly relevant to research on Thomas Jefferson’s attitudes towards slavery and provides an interesting perspective on the intellectual influences that shaped his beliefs. This source could be compared with other works that examine the philosophical and intellectual influences on Jefferson’s views on slavery.
The book explores the history of slavery at the University of Virginia, which Thomas Jefferson founded. The authors draw on archival sources to examine how slavery was embedded in the university’s founding and how it affected the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there. The authors have backgrounds in history and education and are affiliated with the University of Virginia, lending them authority on the topic. The intended audience is likely scholars and students interested in the history of slavery in the United States and those interested in the history of education and the role of universities in society. The source is relevant to research, as it provides insight into how slavery was intertwined with the founding and early years of the University of Virginia. Compared to other sources, “Educated in Tyranny” offers a unique perspective on the role of slavery in the history of the University of Virginia.
Conclusion
I found my sources using the CSU Global Library website, which provides access to academic databases and resources. The sources I selected cover various aspects of Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with slavery, including his personal views, his ownership of slaves, and his role in shaping American memory. One difficulty I continue to have with my project is synthesizing all the information I have gathered into a cohesive narrative that presents a nuanced understanding of Jefferson’s complex relationship with slavery. I also struggle to navigate the ethical considerations involved in researching and writing about such a sensitive topic.