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Video

Thomas Jefferson, Confounding Father with Robert M. S. McDonald | BRI Scholar Talks

Grade: 7–12
Duration: 29 min
Topics: Founders
Published: Apr 13, 2021

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About this video

Author of the Declaration of Independence, leader of the political opposition, and third president, Thomas Jefferson is one of the most eminent and yet most controversial historical figures in his time and today. Demonized as a demagogue and radical, Jefferson had many critics and political enemies. In this video, distinguished scholar Robert M. S. McDonald and BRI Senior Teaching Fellow Tony Williams discuss his new book, “Confounding Father: Thomas Jefferson's Image in His Own Time.” What were the concerns that Jefferson’s contemporaries had relating to his style of governance? How did his relationship with Sally Hemings affect his political endeavors?

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