Jefferson’s opinion regarding slavery is a highly debated topic between historians. In his early days, Jefferson made it very clear that he is anti-slavery. In the original declaration, Jefferson denounced slavery and made it clear that he is against it. He used phrases like “assemblage of horrors” or “a cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberties” to prove that slavery needs to be abolished. Although Jefferson took a stance against slavery, many were confused by his unwillingness to take action against it. According to historian David Brion Davis, the most remarkable thing about Jefferson’s stand on slavery is his immense silence”. Jefferson never took any action to abolish slavery.
…show more content…
In the year 1792, as Jefferson wrote to Washington about the earnings of his plantations, Jefferson reached a point of understanding regarding the value of slaves. He formulated a calculation now known as the “4 percent theorem”. He began to comprehend that slaves were a great investment and source of income. As he began to further understand the financial benefit of owning slaves, he distanced himself more and more from antislavery beliefs. Jefferson went from denouncing slavery in 1776 to encouraging people to invest in slaves in the 1790’s. This sudden change is a very interesting topic for historians today. Although many believe that this led him to become a typical slave owner, I believe that Jefferson was more generous than most. According to a biography published in the Oxford University press, by Professor Merrill Peterson, Jefferson was “a kind and generous master”. Jefferson was known to treat his slaves better than most slave owners. Although he put people to work at a young age, he never allowed his slaves to be over-worked and only turned to physical punishment as a final resort. He was known to free slaves if they bought their freedom. In 1796, a slave named James Hemings, a cook, was freed under the terms that he taught his knowledge of the culinary arts
In the year 1792, as Jefferson wrote to Washington about the earnings of his plantations, Jefferson reached a point of understanding regarding the value of slaves. He formulated a calculation now known as the “4 percent theorem”. He began to comprehend that slaves were a great investment and source of income. As he began to further understand the financial benefit of owning slaves, he distanced himself more and more from antislavery beliefs. Jefferson went from denouncing slavery in 1776 to encouraging people to invest in slaves in the 1790’s. This sudden change is a very interesting topic for historians today. Although many believe that this led him to become a typical slave owner, I believe that Jefferson was more generous than most. According to a biography published in the Oxford University press, by Professor Merrill Peterson, Jefferson was “a kind and generous master”. Jefferson was known to treat his slaves better than most slave owners. Although he put people to work at a young age, he never allowed his slaves to be over-worked and only turned to physical punishment as a final resort. He was known to free slaves if they bought their freedom. In 1796, a slave named James Hemings, a cook, was freed under the terms that he taught his knowledge of the culinary arts