Thomas Jefferson: A Study in Contradiction
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the apparent contradiction between Thomas Jefferson as a champion of freedom, liberty, and democracy, and Thomas Jefferson the aristocrat and slave owner.
Thomas Jefferson and Slavery
Historian Peter Onuf talks about reasons why Thomas Jefferson didn't free his slaves. Professor Onuf explains that one reason was Jefferson's personal financial debt. "For financial reasons, (his) estate wouldn't allow it." But the other reason was ...
Alexander Hamilton: Target of Republican Mistrust
Historian Peter Onuf says that Republicans both feared and respected Alexander Hamilton, believing that he wanted to make the United States over in the image of Britain. "Many of Hamilton's troubles," Professor Onuf explains, "...go back to the Cons...
Louisiana Purchase, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson's interest in the Louisiana territory was not driven by a desire to double the size of the United States. Knowing that France had an interest in New Orleans, Jefferson was concerned that the new we...
Jefferson, Adams, and the Constitution
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the roles played by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in the early days of the United States. Professor Onuf explains that when Jefferson was elected President in 1800 (following Adams), he wanted to, "...overthrow the...
Jefferson Before The Revolution
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson wrote what may scholars consider to be a "rehearsal" for the Declaration of Independence when he wrote an incendiary pamphlet called the Summary Review of the Rights of British America.
Jefferson's Embargo
Historian Peter Onuf talks about Jefferson's embargo, which he calls, "one of the great tragic set pieces of American history." Professor Onuf also describes the sentiment in the United States leading up to President James Madison's declaration of w...
Peace of Paris, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that the 1783 Peace of Paris that followed the Revolutionary War was a mixed blessing for the Americans, because, "...much of American history for the next generation will be about the difficulty of consolidating Americ...
Public Response to the Louisiana Purchase
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the reaction of the American public to the Louisiana Purchase. Most Americans were very enthusiastic about the transaction, Professor Onuf explains, because it provided commercial and trade advantages, and ended the ...
Madison's Dilemma
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the dilemma of James Madison, who was torn between following the Constitution as closely as possible, and yet recognizing the need to put financial resources towards what Professor Onuf calls, "establish(ing) a robus...