Thomas Jefferson: Hero or Hypocrite?

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During the 18th Century America was dealing with independence from Europe and trying to establish them as a strong country. As far as government goes, a monarchal government was not in question. Many people saw great opportunity to step up and contribute ideas that will make America into the country of preference. One of these men was 3rd president and member of the original founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. While most Americans view Thomas Jefferson as an upstanding and honorable man, he was plagued with the moral contradiction of having fathered children with one of his slaves Sally Heming’s and as a result spurred a great deal of controversy. As a result of his action’s Jefferson’s virtuous demeanor is questioned and shows how hypocritical he is.

Peter Jefferson, a planter turned legislature in the Virginia House of Burgesses and Jane Randolph, daughter of a rich distinguished Virginia family are the parents of Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was born April 3 1743, at Shadwell, his family farm in Albemarle County Virginia. Growing up he was taught discipline and self-perseverance. His father taught him how to read, write and also how to do a numerous amount of outdoor activities. However he soon had to put his child behavior behind him and without warning take over being the man of the household. 1757 Thomas Jefferson, is 14 and has to faces the death of his father. With being the oldest male Thomas Jefferson had to now take responsibilities over his younger siblings. Unable to enjoy his youth like he used to Jefferson found satisfaction in horseback riding playing his instruments and taking walks in the company of his sister Jane.

Like most young men in this time he attended private schools and was provided with the ...

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Jefferson, Thomas. "Declaration of Independence." July 1776.

Kutler, Stanley I. "Dictionary of American History." Declaration of Independence 1776. Vol. 10. New York: Charles Scribner Sons, 2003.

Presidental Profile for Students. Thomas Jefferson. Prod. Presidental Profile for Students. Farmington hills, MI, 2000.

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Weisberger, Bernard A. "Jefferson's mistress? (President Thomas Jefferson's alleged affair with slave Sally Hemings) ." American Heritage, November 1997: 14.

whooley, Owen. "knowledge advocacy in the Sally Hemings controversy." Objectivity and it's discontents, 86.

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