These People Are to Be Free: Thomas Jefferson and the Fight Against Slavery

By Cara Rogers Stevens

Winner: Herbert J. Storing Book Prize

Finalist, Center for Presidential History Book Prize

In this groundbreaking work, Cara Rogers Stevens examines the fascinating life of Thomas Jefferson's book, Notes on the State of Virginia, from its innocuous composition in the early 1780s to its use as a political weapon by both pro- and antislavery forces in the early nineteenth century. Initially written as a brief statistical introduction to Virginia for French readers, Jefferson's book evolved to become his comprehensive statement on almost all facets of the state's natural and political realms. As part of an antislavery education strategy, Jefferson also decided to include a treatise on the nature of racial difference, as well as a manifesto on the corrupting power of slavery in a republic and a plan for emancipation and colonization. In consequence, his book--for better or worse--defined the boundaries of future debates over the place of African-descended people in American society.

Although historians have rightly criticized Jefferson for his racism and failure to free his own slaves, his antislavery intentions for the Notes have received only cursory notice, partly because the original manuscript was not available for detailed examination until recently.

By analyzing Jefferson's complex revision process, Thomas Jefferson and the Fight against Slavery traces the evolution of Jefferson's views on race and slavery as he considered how best to persuade younger slaveholders to embrace emancipation. Rogers Stevens then moves beyond Jefferson to examine contemporary responses to the Notes from white and black intellectuals and politicians, concluding with an attempt by Jefferson's grandson to implement elements of the Notes's emancipation plan during Virginia's 1831-1832 slavery debates.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0700635971
• ISBN13: 9780700635979
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: University Press of Kansas
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Captivating Book

Jefferson stated to Madison, “take care of me when dead.” Cara Rogers Stevens truly embodies those words with her own research. This book sheds light on Jefferson truly believing his own words, “all men are created equal.” Because of the thorough research, this book not only shows, but proves, that Jefferson absolutely advocated for emancipation and was against slavery. This felt like I was reading a book written by David McCullough because of the story like manner in which she uses to tell about Jefferson, along with weaving in other characters to shape this research. This book needs to be in the hands of every American so they can truly see Jefferson for who he was, not for who he is being painted as in today’s culture. Cara Rogers Stevens, thank you for taking care of Mr. Jefferson!!!!