USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Despite working tirelessly to establish a new nation founded upon principles of freedom and egalitarianism, Jefferson owned over 600 enslaved people during his lifetime, the most of any U.S. president.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mr. Turner states, “The reason Jefferson did not free but five of his own slaves in his will was simple: Under Virginia law at the time, slaves were considered ‘property, ’ and they were expressly subject to the claims of creditors. Jefferson died deeply in debt."

Detailed explanation-3: -Jefferson recognized the evils of slavery, but he remained tied to the system and freed only seven of his bondsmen, all were members of the Hemmings family at Monticello. His concerns about emancipation ranged from paternalistic to self-interest. He believed most former slaves couldn’t survive independently.

Detailed explanation-4: -Between 1776 and 1826, Jefferson kept between 165 and 225 slaves on his Virginia plantations, with about three-fifths of his human property at Monticello and two-fifths at Poplar Forest, his estate in Bedford.