Week 13 - Jefferson, Slavery, and the West

Jefferson and his supporters opposed Hamilton's economic policies, arguing that they favored wealthy merchants and urban elites over farmers and the common people.

Jefferson's vision for America, based on independent farmers and agriculture. He believed equality and civic virtue were essential for a functioning republic.

An independent farmer who owns and works their own land; economically self-sufficient, forming the foundation of Jefferson's ideal republic.

The opposition to tariffs cited that they hurt consumers and favored manufacturers.

Critics argued that the national bank was corrupt, creating wealth for a few at the cost of taxpayers.

Critics of bond repayment argued that it primarily benefited speculators in urban centers, not the common citizen.

Jefferson was conflicted about slavery, recognizing it as the opposite of his envisioned equality and civic virtue.

Jefferson believed equality was fundamental to a successful republic where citizens are roughly equal.

Jefferson believed in widespread land ownership and equal opportunity for all white citizens. He opposed inherited wealth and large estates, advocating for policies like selling land in small parcels and breaking up large estates.

Jefferson believed education was crucial for opportunity. He promoted free elementary education and state-supported secondary and higher education, aiming to establish a natural aristocracy based on merit rather than birth.

A law establishing Jefferson's vision for westward expansion, emphasizing land sales to common people, prohibiting slavery in the Northwest Territory, and reserving land for public education. It favored equality for white settlers.

Jefferson led opposition against Federalist policies, including Hamilton's financial program (internal taxes on farmers, like the Whiskey Tax), and the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Taxes imposed on domestic goods, especially impacting farmers, which Jefferson opposed. This was one aspect of the Federalist economic policy.

Laws allowing the president to prosecute critics of the government and expel unwanted immigrants, met with criticism from Jefferson.

The election of Jefferson as president after opposing Federalist policies, signaling a shift in political power in favor of ideals supporting opportunity and opposition to large centralized economic control.

Land availability, sold in small parcels in the West instead of large estates, was essential for white opportunity that Jefferson wanted, but this also limited land access to non-whites.

Thomas Jefferson's time as president of the United States, marked by key policies and events like the Louisiana Purchase.

The acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the United States.

Successful slave revolt in Haiti that ended French ambitions in North America, influencing events like the Louisiana Purchase.

Important river system connecting the interior of the US to commerce and trade through the Port of New Orleans.

Argument about the extent of presidential power in acquiring territory; an example of conflicts between broader views and the strict rules regarding the power the president has.

Political party opposing the Federalists, advocating for popular politics and the rights of the people.

Political party in opposition, favoring a strong central government and with a perspective distrustful of popular politics.

Jefferson's belief that a society based on farming, rather than industry or commerce, is ideal for a thriving nation.

Jefferson's home, Monticello, was designed to project an image of democratic simplicity while masking the reality of slave labor.

Jefferson envisioned a gradual decline of slavery, particularly in the Southern states, as the economy shifted away from tobacco and towards crops with less intensive labor demands.

Jefferson attempted to portray a more 'rational and humane' approach to managing enslaved people, but this did not always translate into reality under other managers.

Jefferson had a long-term sexual relationship with enslaved woman Sally Hemmings, resulting in children.

Monticello's design, facing west, was meant to evoke an image of the expanding American West.

Monticello's design hid enslaved people and their labor from public view.

Jefferson envisioned a system of skilled labor and small shops for Black people after emancipation, aiming towards economic freedom and less abuse.

The controversial relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, a enslaved woman he fathered children with. It highlights issues of power dynamics, consent, and the hypocrisy of Jefferson's pro-freedom rhetoric.

A deal made by Sally Hemings' brother and Thomas Jefferson, granting special benefits in exchange for Sally Hemings becoming Jefferson's mistress, including her children's eventual freedom.

The offspring of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, including Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston, who faced varying destinies as they navigated their mixed heritage and societal expectations.

Jefferson's opposition to slavery primarily focused on its societal implications, viewing it as a threat to the Republic rather than a moral evil. His efforts were centered on gradual abolition and colonization schemes.

An organization founded in 1816 to support the resettlement of African Americans to Liberia in Africa, intended as a solution to racial tensions and the abolition of slavery.

The rise of cotton production in the 19th century dramatically increased the demand for slave labor in the American South, leading to a flourishing domestic slave trade.

The internal trafficking of enslaved people within the United States, primarily driven by the expansion of cotton production and the need for labor in new territories.

Upon Jefferson's death, his plantation, Monticello, faced financial difficulties due to his substantial debts. This highlights the complex relationship between slavery, wealth, and societal values.