Hofstadter writes that Jefferson is complex and important in his book The American Political Tradition. Jefferson is an iconic figure in American history. Hofstadter suggests that Jefferson was more of a myth than a fact. Hofstadter claims Jefferson was an enormous hypocrite. His ideals often contradict his actions. Hofstadter’s views about Jefferson can be summed up as a hypocrite, who has had his place in American History exaggerated.
Hofstadter’s book argues that Jefferson was a hypocrite. Jefferson’s ideals were quite contrary to the reality of his life. Jefferson wanted America to be a Meritocracy. That is, where the best workers were the most prominent. Jefferson, who wanted a Meritocracy for the United States, was supported by the upper-class, wealthy politicians of the United States. Hofstadter states that the Virginia reformers, under his leadership, abolished primogeniture. This shows how Jefferson’s ideals are largely contrary to his personality. Jefferson was an enormous recipient of primogeniture after his father’s death. Because of the primogeniture law, Jefferson received “2,700 acres and many bondsmen” (26). Although Jefferson did abolish primogeniture in later life, he never had to work for any immediate wealth. Jefferson spent much of his time working on a draft to abolish slavery and emancipate slaves. Another contradiction is that Jefferson was a slave owner, with 600 slaves. He tried to free them all, but he didn’t succeed. Jefferson in Hofstadter said that Jefferson never made it through his draft for slavery because it was too controversial. “The public mind will not bear the proposition… However, it must bear it and then adopt it or worse will happen” (29). Jefferson was afraid to oppose the public opinion, regardless of the fact that he could be called a “revolutionary” because he had never opposed the public opinion in his life. “… He avoided speaking in public about his less-than-pleasing ideas after he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Hofstadter points out that Jefferson chose to stay with the majority opinion. This is partly why Hofstadter believes that Jefferson is not really a “revolutionary”. While Jefferson was always in the crowd on all major issues, his real feelings on a particular issue were quite different from the opinions he expressed. Hofstadter cites Charles M. Wiltse as an example. “He stays aloof from all men. And if he claims equality, it’s not because he feels that all men should be equal. But because he thinks they should be.” (26). Hofstadter uses the quote to show Jefferson, who is truly convinced he is better then the common folks, stands by the idea that all men are equally. His ideas are contradictory to his actions, yet again. Jefferson claims that he believed an agrarian United States and that Jeffersonians would be America’s face. Hofstadter asserts “… but he was able to enter the White House after satisfying Federalists (44). Jefferson believed in Jeffersonian Democracy. He supported Federalists with large amounts of his support, even though he fully believed in it. Federalism was far from Jeffersonian Democracy. Jefferson believed in Federalism, but his “stronger” beliefs were diluted by his appeasement to the Federalists. Jefferson’s appeasement to Federalists is a sign that he has lost control of his thoughts. He remodeled his original thoughts to be more in line with Federalists. Although he appeased them to win their vote during his Presidency however, he maintained his commitment to the stated intentions. Jefferson’s true thoughts were not reflected in his statements to the public in most cases. This highlights the fact that while people can’t trust what he says, there is often an undercurrent opinion which he won’t disclose.
Thomas Jefferson is an American hero. His achievements and his contribution to shaping America’s history are well known. Hofstadter, however, explains that Jefferson has many significant failures that are seldom discussed. Jefferson’s American story is positive. It is hard to believe that Jefferson has not had major failures. The Embargo Bill of 1807 was one example of such failures. The Embargo Act, which was intended to stop maritime seizures in Britain and France and give the United States more power, effectively restricted American exports to Britain or France. Hofstadter points out that “The Embargo” did not succeed in forcing Britain and France to recognize American rights on high seas. Instead, it caused economic paralysis for the Northeast’s trading cities and the West’s and South’s plantations and farms. Jefferson finally acknowledged that the fifteen-months of operation were more costly than a military war (51). Hofstadter used this example to show that Jefferson made a huge mistake that cost more than a war. Jefferson failed to create the Embargo Act and he created the Nonintercourse Act to allow trade to a restricted section of Europe. The Nonintercourse act was seen as a terrible decision by Americans. Jefferson’s appeasement to France and Britain was psychologically showing that America was less powerful than France and Britain. He also continued to allow maritime seizures. Jefferson’s vision for an “Agrarian America”, was another of Jefferson’s failures. This was a major failure because, Hofstadter said, “… It was Jefferson’s view of an “Agrarian America” (John Randolph) that led to the War of 1812 (52). Jefferson’s ideas for the United States resulted in a war between Northern America and Southern USA. The North wanted Canada and Florida, respectively. Jefferson’s vision of America was to have self-sufficient yeoman farmers. These farmers would not be able to run large businesses, but they would be able to make ends meet and reduce dependence on one another. This vision was thwarted by greedy farmers who, due to their “cupidity”, became greedy and set themselves up for financial ruin. The War of 1812 resulted. While many historians portray Jefferson as a man who had a positive impact on American history, they fail to mention the fact that he was not perfect and that he made costly mistakes, Hofstadter expounds.
Hofstadter reveals that Jefferson was not the man Jefferson is most often believed to have been. Jefferson is not as portrayed. His achievements are often deemed insignificant by historians. His failures, however, were very serious and cost America a lot. Jefferson wasn’t as remarkable as people think. He was a hypocrite, overdramatized man, and his place in American history may not be as important as it seems. Jefferson’s history has been a mess in many ways, but Hofstadter approaches Jefferson too cynically, focusing on the moral complexities, and failings, that make him a man that is not worthy of credit.
He has made significant contributions to American history, regardless of his mistakes. Hofstadter is trying to discredit Jefferson. He briefly notes his successes and dwells on his inconsistencies. Even though some mistakes were costly, Jefferson’s successes, as well his mistakes, are just as important. His failures seem to be less significant than his accomplishments. Jefferson deserves to be remembered for his achievements and mistakes. But, history is full of people who make mistakes.
