Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Christopher Childers
Second Advisor
Dr. Kyle Thompson
Third Advisor
Dr. Darren Botello-Samson
Keywords
Thomas Jefferson, Native Americans, Women, Slaves, American Independence
Abstract
This thesis examines the influence of Native Americans, slaves, and women on the Founding Fathers and provides a way of study for future historians of early American history. By using Thomas Jefferson as the case study, this thesis will show how these three people groups shaped the culture and political decisions of America’s Founding Fathers. Though many historians have looked at this relationship in the past, there are two main things that set this thesis apart from the work of previous historians. First, this thesis attempts to separate itself from the moral questions surrounding the placement of Native Americans, slaves, and women in early American society. Though these groups were often marginalized, this thesis does not see that as a hindrance on their influence, but rather, a guide to see where their influence originated from. Second, this thesis looks primarily at the influence on the Founding Fathers rather than influence from the Founding Fathers to other groups. While some historians include both in their studies, it is common to see the end of the story become about the influence the Founding Fathers had on others instead of the influence they received from outside groups such as the Native Americans, slaves, and women. Primary sources such as letters, diaries, and documents collaborate with secondary sources to address these examples of influence on Jefferson and other Founding Fathers. Seeing how this influence appeared in the life of Thomas Jefferson, this thesis will then conclude by presenting three fundamental questions that must be asked in the study of all early American political thinkers regarding their received influence. Through these examples, and the primary example of Thomas Jefferson, the reader will see how well positioned the Founding Fathers were for outside influence as they attempted to escape British social and political philosophy.
Recommended Citation
Hudson, Anthony C., "The Unwritten Legacy: Native Americans, Slaves, and Women in the Life of Thomas Jefferson" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 836.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/836
Included in
Cultural History Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Political History Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons
