What Is Thomas Jefferson's Notes On The State Of Virginia

Jefferson wrote Notes on the State of Virginia originally to answer questions from a French Diplomat. The document was written right after his term as Governor of Virginia. It includes a detailed explanation of the views society had on the African American race in the 1700’s, along with a proposal for the emancipation of all African slaves. Jefferson went on to explain that he viewed African Americans as beneath whites and Native Americans in all aspects of life, that racism was a natural occurrence in society, and that slaves should ultimately be emancipated. He was repelled at the thought of the Caucasian and African American races mixing, therefore he proposed that after emancipation they take leave from Virginia and migrate to their own

Thomas Jefferson explains that Native Americans are highly intellectual and “astonish you with strokes of the most sublime oratory…” (148). Subsequently, he compares African Americans and states, “But never yet could I find that a black had uttered a thought above the level of pain narration…” (148). He claims that the blacks are equal to whites in memory, yet they lack their imagination and creativity. The document also mentions inherent superiority seen in the white race. Racism, and therefore slavery, was a natural occurrence in the world and seemingly unavoidable. Not only did society in the 1700’s view blacks as intellectually inferior, but their physical characteristics were criticized as well. Such criticism is seen in the following sentence, “ Besides those of colour, figure, and hair, there are other physical distinctions providing a difference of race. They have less hair on the face and body” (Jefferson 147). Jefferson expressed concerns regarding these physical characteristics and the possible mating of the caucasian and black races. Because of this fear, Jefferson sought out the only solution to this possible mating; emancipation. He wrote, “...and to declare them free and independent people” (147). He proposed that after emancipation they migrate from Virginia and start their own independent nation. By doing this,