This reading material consists of the first chapter of Stephen Ambrose's text “To America, Personal Reflections of an Historian”, entitled “The Founding Fathers”. In this piece, Ambrose examines many of the founding fathers, contrasting their lives with their failures in light of modern views on racism and sexism. It begins by talking about the life of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson's views on African-American slavery, as well as women's and Native American rights, are listed in detail. They are shown alongside quotes from the former president that would appear to contradict his actions and lifestyle in this regard. Ambrose also explores Jefferson's legacy and life achievements from a long-term perspective. Later in the text, William Clark and George Washington are examined along the same lines. However, most of the time is spent on Thomas Jefferson, perhaps because he is arguably the most condemned slave owner of the Founding Fathers. Ambrose freely admits that these men may have failed to overcome concepts that, although common in the society of those countries, ...