Jefferson inherited enslaved people from his father and father-in-law. This was a common practice in Virginia society at the time, and Jefferson's economic life was deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery. He never fully divested himself of enslaved people, despite his stated reservations about the institution.

In his original draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson included a passage condemning the slave trade. However, this passage was removed by the Continental Congress, reflecting the conflicting interests and compromises necessary to achieve colonial unity. This shows Jefferson's awareness of the moral problems of slavery, but also his willingness to compromise for political expediency.

In 'Notes on the State of Virginia,' Jefferson expressed ambivalent and sometimes contradictory views on slavery and race. While he acknowledged the injustice of slavery and expressed concerns about its impact on society, he also articulated beliefs about the supposed inferiority of Black people. These views reflected the prevailing racial prejudices of his time, but also revealed internal tensions in his thinking.

Jefferson advocated for gradual emancipation and colonization, proposing that enslaved people be freed and resettled outside of the United States. This proposal reflected his belief that Black and white people could not coexist peacefully in American society. However, he did not actively work to implement these ideas during his lifetime.

In his will, Jefferson only manumitted a small number of his enslaved people, including some members of the Hemings family. This decision reflected his complex and often contradictory views on slavery, as well as his economic dependence on the institution. The vast majority of the enslaved people he owned remained in bondage after his death.