1. How does Ambrose describe Jefferson? Consider that description and explain why the bolded statement "How is it that we hear the loudest yelps of liberty from the drivers or Negros?" is ironic.
2. What does Ambrose mean when he describes Jefferson as a great mind with limited character? Do you agree that
Jefferson's lack of recognition of African American artisan achievements is indicative of his disdain for Black Americans?
Why or why not?
3. Ambrose is beginning to draw a contrast between Washington and Jefferson, how does he show that they are different
men? Who does Ambrose feel is the superior founding father and why?
4. Washington owned slaves yet set them free after the war. He thought of them as commodities and property, yet
refused a kingship when offered it by Congress. Do you think that Washington's good deeds are enough to redeem his
slaveholder history? Why or why not?
5. Do you feel that we should be building monuments to the men who owned slaves, why or why not? By extension,
should we allow the south to keep putting up statues of confederate slave owners, why or why not?
6. Ambrose's thesis is that Jefferson's words never aligned with his actions, but that his spirit may have been aligned with
the American Dream. Do you agree with his attitude, why or why not? Should we honor a man who lived his life one
way, but expected the country to live another? Why or why not?