The Thomas Jefferson Mystery- Early Years of the Republic –Next Part 39: The Exceptions

Early Years of the Republic

Although there were paradoxical and conflicting views on the institution of slavery, of the first five presidents of the United States, four were slave owners! A nation which was supposedly built on equality and freedom was indeed a huge lie, which tested the integrity of the nation and its leaders. The “father of the country,” George Washington, is among the four slaveowners. Over 300 slaves lived on the first President’s Mount Vernon plantation, and this number grew.

Getty Images

Getty Images

Despite his engagement of slaves, he was singular in the respect that he chose to free his personal slaves. When his will was read, it called for the freeing of the slaves upon his wife Martha’s death. However, Martha had more charity and goodness in her heart, and decided to free a large number of them earlier, releasing them only a year after he had passed away.

By: Zoe Perry 

.

–THIS SPACE BELOW IS RESERVE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT –

It's only fair to share...Share on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on TwitterEmail this to someonePrint this page