2006 Shaping the World: Conversation on Democracy
Thomas Jefferson Talks With Napoleon Bonaparte

presented by:

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
Blue Ridge Public Television
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Virtual Advanced Placement School

To view the video via the Internet, click here.

Program Description

Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte are interviewed by students from Amherst Middle School.  Among other things, their answers explore the roles of democratic principles and dictatorship. Students and teachers can join this conversation and learn more about these two men, their early years, education, careers, the American and French Revolutions, their thoughts on democracy and dictatorship, and their views on their country’s future.

"Shaping the World: Conversations on Democracy" can assist teachers with the following Standards Of Learning

Lesson Plans and Curriculum
     I.     Family, Education & Career
    II.     French & American Revolutions
   III.     Paths that Cross - Democracy & Dictatorship
  IV.     Jefferson & Bonaparte Share Their Views
  V.     Jefferson & Napoleon Speak Out
  VI.     Miscellaneous Activities 

Biographies
     Jefferson
     Napoleon

Other

     Video Vocabulary
     Curriculum Vocabulary
     Bibliography & Websites  
     Image Credits

Poplar Forest

In 1773, Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha, inherited 4,819 acres from the estate of John Wayles, Martha’s father. Jefferson designed an octagonal villa and in 1806 traveled to Bedford County to oversee the laying of the foundation.  Poplar Forest served as a retreat for Jefferson and his grandchildren as well as a working plantation, generating cash income.  During Jefferson’s residency, 1806 to 1823, the enslaved community ranged from 60 to 100 people.  The house and land was inherited by Jefferson’s grandson, Francis Eppes and later sold to William Cobbs.  Over the years, its acreage dwindled and the house underwent many structural changes.  In December 1983, the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest was formed to rescue this landmark for the educational and cultural benefit of the public.  Today, Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark and a Virginia Historic Landmark.  Archaeology and restoration continue.  For more information on Poplar Forest, call (434) 525-1806.

Blue Ridge Public Television

Since 1966, Blue Ridge Public Television’s Education Department has provided instructional television for western Virginia, and today broadcasts SOL-correlated programs to 42 school divisions with 197,000 students.  BRPTV works on-site with all communities of learners, including teachers, pre-schoolers, and adult learners. BRPTV sponsors Virginia's JASON Project, Reading Rainbow Young Authors and Illustrators, and the McGlothlin Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Virginia Department of Education

The Virtual Advanced Placement School was designed to provide educational opportunities to schools that may have too few students to justify hiring a full-time teacher, are unable to find qualified teachers, or for students with scheduling conflicts.  Advanced placement courses follow the College Board curriculum.  Foreign language courses are open to students from the seventh grade and higher.  The Department of Education the Virginia Virtual Advanced Placement School are pleased to make Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest program available to students across the Commonwealth and nation. 

Project made possible with funding from The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust

Curriculum researched and developed by Octavia Starbuck and Jackie Almond

Project Intern, Cassandra Bodkin       

Image credit: Collection of The New-York Historical Society