Frank Cogliano, Interim Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, will discuss his book, ‘Revolutionary Friendship: Washington, Jefferson, and the American Republic’ on February 17th, 2024. The fully booked event will be livestreamed on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. It will take place at Monticello’s David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. Monticello’s new president, Jane Kamensky, will open the event. Professors Annette Gordon-Reed and Peter Onuf will join Cogliano in discussing the book.
The book examines the relationship between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Despite their differences, they maintained a working relationship for most of their thirty-year acquaintance. The book highlights their disagreements, especially on constitutional design. Washington favored traditional elites, while Jefferson supported a merit-based system.
The book also discusses their views on government structure. Washington advocated for a strong central government, while Jefferson supported power distribution across states. Despite their differences, Cogliano argues they both had a passion for American independence, republican government, westward expansion, and commerce. They also both questioned slavery, though they took limited steps to end it.