Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy

By Annette Gordon-Reed

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy is a book by Annette Gordon-Reed that examines the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1998.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy

by Annette Gordon-Reed

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1518 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages
Paperback	:	76 pages
Item Weight	:	2.89 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.18 x 8 inches

FREE

Jefferson was the third president of the United States. He was a slave owner and a supporter of slavery. Hemings was a slave who was owned by Jefferson's father-in-law. She was brought to Monticello, Jefferson's plantation, in 1784. She was 14 years old at the time.

The relationship between Jefferson and Hemings has been the subject of much debate. Some historians believe that the two had a consensual sexual relationship. Others believe that Hemings was forced into a sexual relationship with Jefferson. Gordon-Reed argues that the evidence supports the that the relationship was consensual.

Gordon-Reed's book is a groundbreaking work of scholarship. It provides a new perspective on the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings. The book has also sparked a new debate about the nature of slavery and the role of race in American history.

The Evidence

Gordon-Reed's book is based on a careful examination of the historical record. She draws on a variety of sources, including letters, diaries, and account books. She also examines the physical evidence, such as the DNA evidence that has been used to support the that Jefferson was the father of Hemings' children.

Gordon-Reed argues that the evidence supports the that the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was consensual. She points to the fact that Hemings lived in a relatively privileged position at Monticello. She was not forced to work in the fields, and she was given her own room. She was also given access to Jefferson's library and his music collection.

Gordon-Reed also argues that the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was not simply a matter of sexual exploitation. She points to the fact that Jefferson and Hemings had a long-term relationship. They had six children together, and they lived together for over 30 years.

The Debate

Gordon-Reed's book has sparked a new debate about the nature of slavery and the role of race in American history. Some historians have criticized Gordon-Reed's book, arguing that she has overstated the evidence for a consensual relationship between Jefferson and Hemings. Others have praised Gordon-Reed's book, arguing that it provides a new and more nuanced understanding of the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings.

The debate over Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings is likely to continue for many years to come. Gordon-Reed's book has helped to shed new light on this complex and controversial relationship. Her book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in American history.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy is a groundbreaking work of scholarship. It provides a new perspective on the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings. The book has also sparked a new debate about the nature of slavery and the role of race in American history. Gordon-Reed's book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in American history.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy

by Annette Gordon-Reed

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1518 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	340 pages
Paperback	:	76 pages
Item Weight	:	2.89 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.18 x 8 inches

FREE