This video examines the controversial removal of Thomas Jefferson's statue from New York City Hall, exploring the political and cultural factors behind this significant decision. Learn about the tensions between Jefferson's role as a founding father who authored the Declaration of Independence and his complicated legacy as a slaveholder. Discover the details of the closed-door vote that led to the statue's removal, the arguments from both supporters and critics of the decision, and how this case reflects broader national debates about historical monuments and America's reckoning with its past. The presentation analyzes how changing perspectives on historical figures are reshaping public spaces and challenging traditional narratives about American history, offering insights into the intersection of "woke" politics, historical reassessment, and contemporary values.
Overview
Syllabus
Why New York “Canceled” Jefferson (and Banished His Statue)
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IT'S HISTORY