"The great improvement and civilization of that race": Jefferson and the "Amelioration" of Slavery, ca. 1770–1826

After the revolution Jefferson envisioned the gradual abolition of slavery, to be achieved by "amelioration." First, the slave trade would be abolished. Second, slaves and slavery would be "improved." Third, slaves would be emancipated and expatriated. But as soon as Jefferson conceded that slavery could be improved—and was a modern, dynamic institution—there seemed no need for it to be abolished.