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Thomas Jefferson: American Revolutionary

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Thomas Jefferson: American Revolutionary

By: Robert McDonald
Narrated by: Robert McDonald
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About this listen

Explore the captivating contradictions of one of US history’s most divisive figures with the celebrated West Point professor and author of Confounding Father: Thomas Jefferson’s Image in His Own Time.

Thomas Jefferson was the first secretary of state, second vice president, and third president of the United States. A polymath who championed education and religious freedom, he drafted the Declaration of Independence and made more attempts than any other officeholder of his generation to end slavery. Yet he remained a slaveholder throughout his life. A diplomat who charmed people abroad, at home he was a lightning rod of controversy - both loved and hated, revered and reviled.

Join West Point history Professor Robert McDonald as he tells the story of the life of one of history’s most fascinating men. In 15 energetic lectures, McDonald - a noted expert on Jefferson, the American Revolution, and the Early Republic - seeks to explain Jefferson as a man of his times. The results will by turns surprise, delight, and confound you, challenging what you think you know about the third president’s life and era.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State

Critic Reviews

“Rob McDonald is a superb historian of the era of the American Revolution and Early Republic. Rob’s scholarship has enriched our understanding of the Revolution’s significance in American and world history. He is a leading authority on the Declaration of Independence and the leading authority Thomas Jefferson’s changing reputation in his own lifetime.” (Peter S. Onuf, professor emeritus, University of Virginia)
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The book provides a nuanced exploration of early American political dynamics, including the speculation about the mental capacity of George Washington during the last portion of his life. While Jefferson and Madison were critical of the influence of Hamilton on Washington, the notion of Washington losing mental capacity is not well-documented and remains a matter of historical interpretation rather than established fact. The author adeptly balances this discussion, emphasizing the complexities and tensions of the era.
Additionally, the book offers a poignant and well-rendered account of the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This significant moment in American history is depicted with great care and detail, highlighting the enduring legacy of these two important figures. Overall, the book presents a compelling and insightful look at pivotal moments and figures in American history, making it a highly recommended read for history enthusiasts.

Lots to learn

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