Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of the United States of America and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, is a figure of great historical significance. The document he penned established the US as a democratic republic on the principle that everyone is created equal. However, at the time Jefferson was writing, one-fifth of the colonies’ population was enslaved. Despite his enlightened principles, Jefferson’s participation in the institution of slavery raises questions about his legacy.
Jefferson was one of five authors of the Declaration of Independence, and the document had to be ratified by the Continental Congress. He included a clause opposing the slave trade, but state delegates removed it. Despite recognizing slavery as an immoral institution and condemning it throughout his life, Jefferson’s actions did not match his words. As Virginia’s governor, he did nothing to change the state slave laws. In his personal life, he held over 600 people in slavery and believed Black people were intellectual inferiors who, if emancipated, should return to their countries of origin.
Despite his controversial stance on slavery, Jefferson made important contributions to religious, financial, and gender equality. He led the charge for separating church and state, removing government funding for Virginia’s Anglican Church, and paving the way for our modern understanding of religious freedom. Jefferson also drafted laws that weakened the power of inherited wealth and pushed for the state-funded education of boys and girls. However, these reforms did not benefit enslaved people or Indigenous Americans, and his policies frequently harmed non-white groups.
Jefferson authorized the military to exterminate Indigenous communities during the Revolutionary War. In peacetime, he did his best to avoid conflict with Native Americans and believed they could be equal to whites. However, his attempts to forcibly assimilate Indigenous communities and his recommendations that formed the basis for the Indian Removal Act years later have been heavily criticized.
Thomas Jefferson served as a diplomat and Secretary of State before being elected as Vice President under John Adams in 1796. In this role, he undermined the President’s authority and argued that states should have the power to overrule federal laws they deemed unconstitutional—an argument some Southern states would cite while seceding from the Union 70 years later. Despite the controversy, Jefferson’s defense of states’ rights was motivated by the president’s overreaching central government, and his efforts were so popular that he was elected as the next president.
As president, Jefferson worked to prevent the country from taking on too much debt and successfully led the US through the Napoleonic and the Barbary Wars. He also expanded the country’s territory through the Louisiana Purchase. However, he failed to stop slavery from taking hold in these new territories. Despite signing a law forbidding the importation of enslaved people in 1807, he continued to enslave those already on American soil.
Following his wife’s death, Jefferson began a relationship with her half-sister and maid, Sally Hemings. Jefferson fathered six children with Hemings and kept the entire relationship secret while continuing to publicly denounce the personhood of Black Americans. Despite enslaving over 600 people, Jefferson only freed 10—five during his life and five in his will—all members of the Hemings family.
Despite pursuing what he believed to be equality, Jefferson failed to uphold his own ideals. He was a man of his time, living in an economy that relied on exploitation and enslaved labor. However, many of Jefferson’s contemporaries opposed slavery and took action to abolish it. Even if some people considered him a great man in his time, he doesn’t have to be an icon in ours. The question remains: Can we judge historical figures by modern standards? And what responsibilities do powerful people have to the future? These are the questions we must grapple with when putting history on trial.
Form two teams and prepare for a debate on Thomas Jefferson’s legacy. One team will argue that Jefferson should be celebrated for his contributions to American democracy, while the other team will argue that his participation in slavery overshadows his achievements. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments.
Reenact the Continental Congress where the Declaration of Independence was debated. Assign roles to different students as historical figures, including Thomas Jefferson. Discuss and vote on whether to include Jefferson’s clause opposing the slave trade. Reflect on how this decision impacts the legacy of the Declaration.
Conduct a research project on the contradictions in Thomas Jefferson’s life. Create a presentation that highlights his contributions to equality and his actions that supported slavery. Discuss how these contradictions affect our understanding of historical figures.
Write a letter to Thomas Jefferson from the perspective of an enslaved person, an Indigenous American, or a contemporary critic. Express your thoughts on his actions and policies. Share your letters with the class and discuss the different perspectives.
Create a timeline of Thomas Jefferson’s life, including key events mentioned in the article. Highlight his contributions to American democracy, his involvement in slavery, and his interactions with Indigenous communities. Use the timeline to discuss how different aspects of his life intersect and influence his legacy.
Founding Father – A term used to refer to the individuals who played a key role in the establishment of the United States, particularly in the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. – Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the founding fathers of the United States.
United States – A country located in North America, consisting of 50 states, a federal district, and various territories. – The United States is known for its diverse culture and strong economy.
Declaration of Independence – A document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from British rule. – The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the ideals of liberty and equality.
Democratic Republic – A form of government where power is ultimately vested in the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. – The United States is a democratic republic, with citizens voting for their leaders in regular elections.
Slavery – The practice of owning and controlling another person, typically without their consent, and treating them as property. – Slavery was abolished in the United States after the Civil War.
Institution of Slavery – A system or establishment that supports and perpetuates the practice of slavery. – The institution of slavery was deeply ingrained in the Southern states of the United States before its abolition.
Equality – The state of being equal, especially in terms of rights, opportunities, and treatment. – The United States strives to promote equality for all its citizens.
Religious Freedom – The right to practice one’s religion or hold religious beliefs without interference or persecution. – The United States guarantees religious freedom as a fundamental right.
Indigenous Communities – Groups of people who are the original inhabitants of a particular region or territory. – The United States has a diverse range of indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions.
Political Career – A person’s professional involvement and advancement in the field of politics, including holding elected or appointed positions. – Abraham Lincoln had a successful political career before becoming the 16th President of the United States.
