Jon Meecham argues that Jefferson gave the nation a ideal to strive for. What was that ideal?

Answer 1

Hi Sarah,

Meacham puts forward the argument that Jefferson believed in the ideal of liberty, or personal freedom above all. Meacham also goes on to explore how Jefferson was able to balance his belief in liberty and personal freedom with his belief that the country needed a strong Federal Government. These two ideas can seem contradictory but Meacham argues that Jefferson was able to find a way to believe in both personal liberty and strong government.

It is interesting to note that Jefferson, a believer in personal liberty, was also a slave holder - a contradiction that is hard to make sense of today.

Hope this helps.

Tom