Thomas Jefferson: American Revolutionary

by Robert McDonald

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 fifteen 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.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Biography

Audiobook

Published July 8, 2020

Reviews

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to familiarization with Thomas Jefferson. The account given in the book is both exciting and well-told. I enjoyed the story and learned about the man at the same time. The narration was well-done.

[Tani Garberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. There are good and bad points about this man but the slavery issue is a hard no.

[Ellen Switzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson was born into a slave owning family and represented the Continental Congress and the Continental Army. Jefferson stood for freedom of speech, religion, and thought. This was the cornerstone of the movement for freedom and transition of the Thirteen Colonies to the United States. He was the first Secretary of State under Washington and partnered with James Madison to establish the Democratic-Republican Party. This was in opposition to the Federalist Party backed by John Adams. While still friends, Adams and Jefferson were political rivals. In the following election, Adams won the presidency while Jefferson came in second, making him VP under the rules at the time. During the next season, Jefferson would win against Adams and then win reelection.

Jefferson was for western expansion and minimized excess military expense. He protected U.S. trade interests against both the British and pirates. His presidency was somewhat tainted by his Vice President, Aaron Burr, following a duel between him and Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury. This resulted in the death of Hamilton. Jefferson was able to shrug off the disaster from his public persona but Burr’s career and reputation were over. Jefferson remained an owner of hundreds of enslaved people for his entire life.

[David Odum · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content was fine if you haven't already read books on the time period, but a bit surface-y if you have. I also didn't care for the lecture format, as the rhetorical nuances of a lecture didn't translate as well as I'd hoped into audiobook format. I guess I still need to find a good biography on the man.