What makes Thomas Jefferson so controversial?

719,697 plays|

Frank Cogliano |

TED-Ed

• January 2023

Thomas Jefferson, founding father of the United States and primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was part of America's fight for freedom and equality. But in his personal life, he held over 600 people in slavery. Are his enlightened principles outweighed by his participation in a greater injustice? Frank Cogliano puts this controversial figure on trial in History vs. Thomas Jefferson. [Directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Stephen LaRosa].