Thomas Jefferson and his thinking about Native Americans

Our goal is to understand the basis of Thomas Jefferson's conception of the Natives. Central are his liberal thought and his knowledge of contemporary scientific developments. The raison d'etre of a social element must be compatible with an expansionist, agrarian and capitalist agenda inherent to America's territorial and economic needs. For Jefferson, contrary to Blacks, Natives ought to be equals to realize a peaceful process of territorial appropriation and social assimilation, preconditions to each citizen's prosperity. The Native's rationality permits first to negotiate, and eventually to settle tribe members, completing thus the requisites for an agenda at the hearth of America's realization.