Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America died on July 4th, 1826, and is still praised for his intellectual achievements today. Although he was essential to the development of the United States, he was an evident and indisputable hypocrite. Jefferson advocated a small federal government and states rights, yet bought the Louisiana Territory as president which only empowered the national government. He also owned slaves while writing the Declaration of Independence, and even though he was against the mixing of races and declared natural inferiority of blacks to whites, he fathered several children with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. Jefferson was born on April 13th, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia into a wealthy family. He was the third of eight children of Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph. At age of nine, Jefferson became indulged in different languages such as Greek, French and Latin. He attended the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg in 1760, where he studied mathematics, metaphysics and philosophy. After his graduation he worked as a lawyer and later, was involved in revolutionary politics. He was first appointed as a delegate to the second Continental Congress in 1775, eventually leading to the writing of Declaration of Independence. After taking office as president, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on an expedition to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Even though his actions helped the United States step in the right direction, it involved many constitutional issues. Thomas Jeffersons father died in 1757, making his son an heir to his huge land assets and a number of slaves and later owned two hundred slaves himself (ABC-Clio).

Many people were upset when Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase because it was unconstitutional for him to make such a decision without gaining permission from congress. The Constitution clearly states that the President must obtain approval from Congress before withdrawing money from the Treasury. Jefferson was against unconstitutional institution such as Andrew Jacksons National Bank, and believed in a strict interpretation of the constitution. The fear of Napoleon possibility gaining more control around New Orleans, Jefferson signed the treaty that gave the United States this large landmass. Jefferson personally believed that federal power should decrease, and state influence should increase (the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798). Ironically he goes against his ideas by his actions and continues to do so throughout his time period. Thomas Jefferson quoted We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (Declaration of Independence) Sadly this never influenced him enough to think about freeing his own slaves. In Notes on the Sates of Virginia Jefferson argues against any association with slavery in the United States. He said it was an abominable crime which gave out mixed messages to all American Citizens because he owned at least two hundred slaves himself. He also wrote that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude (Northwest Ordinance 1787) Which showed how he was against the idea of slavery. Nevertheless he was still a slave holder while writing the Declaration of Independence, which suggests that he was a hypocrite for not able to execute his thoughts and ideas in real life. The man who was against blending of difference races was found to be in sexual relationship with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, a mulatto quadroon, or one quarter black individual. Their amalgamation with the other color produces a degradation to which no lover of

his country, no lover of excellence in the human character can innocently consent, said Thomas Jefferson on this subject (to Edward Coles, 1814). Not only did Thomas Jefferson have sexual relations with his slave, who was African-American, but also made comments on the inferiority of blacks which contradicted his relationship with Hemings. ...The blacks, whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time and circumstances, are inferior to the whites in the endowments both of body and mind, said Jefferson (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1782). Although Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal in the Declaration of Independence, he fails to adhere to his own principles written in the most significant document in American history. Many individuals believed that Thomas Jefferson was not considered hypocritical. It was pointed out that the reason Jefferson did not free his slaves was due to his financial issues. The Louisiana Purchase, to many of Jeffersons supporters feel that it was beneficial and increased the United States social and economic status by doubling the original landmass. In addition, he brought liberty, equality and freedom upon the nation introducing positive ideas to improve and develop the United States. Thomas Jefferson is an iconic figure who is admired for his accomplishments; he fails to execute his words into his lifestyle. He contradicted himself through his life by declaring blacks inferior to whites and owning at least two hundred slaves in his lifetime. Furthermore in 1803, he signed off on the Louisiana Purchase, which went against a law stated in the Constitution. Although he wrote that all men are created equal in the Declaration of Independence he will always be considered a hypocrite through both his actions and words.

Work Cited
" American History - Username." American History - Username. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/247139? terms=thomas+jefferson+>.

"Thomas Jefferson Biography - Thomas Jefferson Childhood, Life, Timeline." Famous People - Famous People in History, Famous People List & Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2010. <http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/thomas-jefferson-72.php>. Jefferson, Thomas. Notes on the State of Virginia. 1782. Jefferson, Thomas. The Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. 1798. Letter to Edward Coles from Thomas Jefferson, 1814

Jefferson, Thomas. Northwest Ordinance 1787 Jefferson, Thomas. Declaration of Independence 1776