Oral Presentations
Beyond Monticello: Decoding Thomas Jefferson’s Views on Race in Early America
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Claire Arcenas
Faculty Mentor’s Department
History
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Beyond Monticello: Decoding Thomas Jefferson’s Views on Race in Early America
Although Thomas Jefferson shines bright as one of the most influential founding fathers of the United States, his legacy is controversial, especially in light of his views on and attitudes toward Black Americans and Native Americans. This paper explores Thomas Jefferson’s writings on race and asks how his views may have (negatively) affected his policy and decision making as Founding Father, President, and politician. Research for this paper relies on a close analysis of Jefferson’s writings—both public (for example, policy documents) and private (for example, correspondence). To help contextualize Jefferson’s thought, I also rely on a range of secondary source material, including books and articles by Jefferson scholars. In the context of understanding American History, there is no disagreement that the Founding Fathers played a particularly vital role in influencing the development of American thought and policy. With that in mind, the goal of this project is to more fully explore the role of racism in the foundation of America and American thought.
Category
Humanities
Beyond Monticello: Decoding Thomas Jefferson’s Views on Race in Early America
UC 327
Beyond Monticello: Decoding Thomas Jefferson’s Views on Race in Early America
Although Thomas Jefferson shines bright as one of the most influential founding fathers of the United States, his legacy is controversial, especially in light of his views on and attitudes toward Black Americans and Native Americans. This paper explores Thomas Jefferson’s writings on race and asks how his views may have (negatively) affected his policy and decision making as Founding Father, President, and politician. Research for this paper relies on a close analysis of Jefferson’s writings—both public (for example, policy documents) and private (for example, correspondence). To help contextualize Jefferson’s thought, I also rely on a range of secondary source material, including books and articles by Jefferson scholars. In the context of understanding American History, there is no disagreement that the Founding Fathers played a particularly vital role in influencing the development of American thought and policy. With that in mind, the goal of this project is to more fully explore the role of racism in the foundation of America and American thought.