Module 4 Short Answer Paper
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Feb 20, 2024
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Mrs. Courtney Early US History 7 February 2024 1.
Explain how Douglas Wilson addresses the issue of presentism when looking at Jefferson?
Douglas Wilson analyzes the topic of presentism in relation to Jefferson with a baffled and speculative perspective. He and a majority of other authors who have written on Thomas Jefferson frequently pose the following inquiry: "How is it possible that the individual who authored the statement 'All men are created equal' also possessed enslaved people? (Secondary Source One)." Subsequently, he claims that Jefferson is a hypocrite and fails to practice the values he advocated to others.
2.
Explain how Paul Finkelman addresses the issue of presentism when looking at Jefferson? Paul Finkelman examines Jefferson's views while considering the problem of presentism, focusing on objective facts. He concentrates exclusively on Jefferson's words and actions. Jefferson would be responsible for writing the Declaration but not follow his own word like others did “While many of his contemporaries freed their slaves during and after the Revolution, Jefferson did not (Secondary Source Two).” 3.
What type of evidence does Wilson rely on when evaluating Jefferson? In other words, what does Wilson examine and use to justify his analysis of Jefferson?
Wilson based his evaluation of Jefferson on the reality that he still owned slaves despite his proclamation that "All men are created equal (Secondary Source One)." He concentrates on one specific piece of information throughout his entire article "The question carries a silent assumption that because he practiced slave holding, Jefferson must have somehow believed in it, and must therefore have been a hypocrite (Secondary Source One)." This remark suggests that while Jefferson advocated for the emancipation of slaves and their equitable treatment, he did not
personally follow through with these principles. Wilson also inquires about why Jefferson, although recognizing the immorality of slaveholding, persisted in keeping slaves. Subsequently, he discusses that Jefferson essentially fell short in his effort to establish equality by neglecting to free his own slaves in order to uphold the cause he initiated.
4.
What type of evidence does Finkelman rely on when evaluating Jefferson? In other words, what does Wilson examine and use to justify his analysis of Jefferson?
Finkelman's review of Jefferson depended on evidence that closely resembled that used by Wilson. Both authors emphasized Jefferson's ongoing ownership of slaves despite his declaration
in the text of the Declaration of Independence that all men are equal. In his article he states, "When Jefferson wrote the Declaration, he owned over 175 slaves. While many of his
contemporaries freed their slaves during and after the Revolution, Jefferson did not (Secondary Source Two).” This demonstrates that Jefferson was not adhering to his own convictions. Finkelman informs the audience about Jefferson's heavy need on slaves "They built his house, cooked his meals, and tilled his fields (Secondary Source Two).”
5.
What impression does EACH primary source give you about Jefferson? Why? Be sure to be specific in your explanation.
Primary Source 1, a draft of the Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson, unequivocally portrays Jefferson as strongly opposed to the institution of slavery. Approximately at the center of his writing, Jefferson states, "With a firm resolve to maintain a market in which individuals can be bought and sold, he has debased his authority by using it to suppress any legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting or restricting this abhorrent commerce..." From this quote,
it is evident that Jefferson strongly disagrees with the actions of King George III.
Primary Source 2, "Notes on the State of Virginia" by Thomas Jefferson, creates the idea that Jefferson outwardly expresses support for the inclusion of blacks, while in reality, he does not. This is because he presents his supported arguments, only to then justify why it would be unwise to integrate them into mainstream culture. Jefferson states when talking about the differences between the races (whites and blacks) “This unfortunate difference of colour, and perhaps of faculty, is a powerful obstacle to the emancipation [aka the freeing] of these people." Jefferson derogatory view towards black individuals, asserting that they are "inferior" to white individuals in terms of physical and intellectual capabilities. Primary Source 3, "Letter to John Holmes," written by Thomas Jefferson in 1788, conveys the idea that Jefferson was deeply committed to utilizing all available means to advocate for the eradication of slavery. In his letters to Holmes, Jefferson expresses his strong desire for the elimination of both the slave trade and the institution of slavery itself. He emphasizes his willingness to make all necessary sacrifices to achieve this goal. In the conclusion of his letter, he
further characterizes himself as a "servant" to Holmes' ideas.
Primary source 4, "Letter to John Holmes," written by Thomas Jefferson in 1820, conveys the idea that Jefferson remains opposed to slavery, but he acknowledges its existence. At the end of the letter Jefferson states "Of one thing I am certain, that as the passage of slaves from one state to another, would not make a slave of a single human being.” This quote as Jefferson asserting that although the slaves are not yet freed, they are being subjected to improved circumstances that alleviate their suffering. 6.
Which of the two historians' arguments – Wilson or Finkelman - is best supported by all of the primary source documents? Why? Be specific in your explanation. In my opinion, Finkeleman's points are more supported than Wilson's in the primary source documents. The difference results from Finkleman's emphasis on Jefferson's statements, whereas Wilson places greater emphasis on his actions or the absence thereof. While both historians discussed Jefferson's statements and actions, Finkleman placed greater emphasis on the
statements. Additionally, the main source papers exclusively relied on Jefferson's statements made to others.
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