Jefferson, Locke, and the Declaration at 250

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Professor Lynn Uzzell joins The Generals Redoubt at Washington and Lee University to discuss her book Locke-ing & Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence: An Introduction to Jefferson's Philosophy of Revolution.

In conversation with student moderator Alex Kagan '27, Uzzell explores how Jefferson drew on — and broke from — John Locke to articulate a uniquely American philosophy of natural rights, unalienable rights, consent of the governed, and the right to revolution. The discussion also examines Jefferson's faith in democracy, his disagreements with James Madison, his vision for public education and moral formation, and what the Declaration's enduring truths mean for a deeply partisan America today.

This event was cosponsored by The Generals Redoubt, The W&L Spectator, The W&L Politics Department, and the W&L Federalist Society. It was held in Leyburn Library on October 2, 2026.

Read TGR’s brief review of Professor Uzzell’s book here: https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/books-were-reading