The Real Thomas Jefferson: A Study Guide

Thomas Jefferson is in the news nearly 200 years posthumously due to two prominent works:
- Biography by Jon Meacham
- Critical portrait by Henry Wiencek
Public fascination with Jefferson stems from the contrast between his writings on liberty and his life as a slave owner.

Jefferson articulated the belief that "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence yet owned about 175 slaves.
- Many historians use this paradox to excuse or diminish his pro-slavery views, citing the complexity of human behavior and the norms of his time.
Unlike contemporaries such as George Washington, Jefferson did not free his slaves, even after the Revolutionary period, and continued to participate in the slave economy.

Jefferson opposed private manumission and public emancipation of slaves.
At the time of his death:
- His will emancipated only five slaves (relatives of Sally Hemings), leaving nearly 200 to be sold.
- Sally Hemings remained enslaved despite Jefferson’s fathering her children, who were emancipated.
Jefferson was not a benevolent master:
- He would punish slaves by separating them from their families.
- Advocated for harsh punishments for slaves and proposed that emancipated blacks be treated as "outlaws" in society.
He suggested that children of white women and black men be expelled from Virginia, illustrating his extreme views on race.

As a legislator, Jefferson blocked laws that might have led to the end of slavery in Virginia.
Acquired the Louisiana Territory but failed to take actions against the expansion of slavery within it.
Advised neighbor Edward Coles against emancipation, referring to free blacks as “pests in society” incapable of self-care.

Expressed that selling slaves was a means of punishment or family reunification, despite having sold at least 85 people over ten years for financial gain.
Showed no concern for the families he destroyed, believing blacks lacked emotions: cited that their "griefs are transient" and their love is deficient.
Asserted a lack of artistic and intellectual capabilities among blacks, claiming their reasoning and imagination were inferior to that of whites.
- Noted that bravery in blacks stemmed from a lack of foresight.

Speculated racial differences could arise from blood color, arguing for inherent superiority of whites over blacks in physical and mental attributes.

Expressed concerns for the future of slavery after Haitian revolts but lacked concrete plans for reform or abolition.
In 1820, viewed the debate over the Missouri Compromise as perilous, believing resistance to the expansion of slavery threatened revolutionary ideals and democratic principles.

Asserts that the founding generation, including Jefferson, bears significant responsibility for perpetuating slavery, undermining the nation's promise of liberty for all.
Paul Finkelman’s position: Jefferson is labeled as a complex yet ultimately hypocritical figure, emphasizing the moral inconsistencies in his writings versus his lifestyle.