Thomas Jefferson's presidency started with the Revolution of 1800, the first time political parties sent candidates and campaigned. He managed to stabilize and empower the people of the United States during his two terms as president. One of his major accomplishments was cleared the Revolutionary debt the US incurred. He did this by putting his frugal/simple economic plan into effect, reducing the navy to several ships and the army down to small militias. This was one of his 3 main goals at the start of his presidency that he accomplished. He also spent $15 million in acquiring the Louisiana Territory from a war-weary Napoleon Bonaparte. This doubled the size of the US Overnight and he went to work by sending expeditions westward and incorporating the people. This was important because previously, people had simply pushed past the boundary illegally or squatted, thus stabilizing the nation. Jefferson also nixed Adam's and Washington's monarchial lives by not using a horse-drawn carriage or being called "Majesty" and gave more power to the states. As a strict-constructionist, he believed all powers not given to the federal government belonged to the states. This was important because…
Jefferson was one of the first and most influential people after the French and Indian War, motivating people to move towards American independence by publishing "A Summary View of the Rights of British America.”…
Many historians regard Thomas Jefferson as one of the most influential men of the post-revolutionary period. Jefferson is perhaps most well known for his ideas regarding the new American governmental system. Many supporters backed Jefferson in his ideals and opinions regarding the central government during his delegate years, and even into his presidency. In 1796, Jefferson became the President of the U.S. Some believe that Thomas Jefferson was a hypocrite in that his ideals changed after being elected President. After being elected to the White House in 1796, Thomas Jefferson was able to maintain his earlier philosophy on government by upholding his beliefs on taxation power, states’ rights and, on the contrary, foreign affairs.…
The author wrote the book from a more social point of view, focusing on the relationships between the founding fathers and how these relationships affected the forming of our nation. Ellis is sympathetic for how Burr and Adams are often victims of the political maneuvering and gamesmanship done by Hamilton and Jefferson. Ellis used letters from letters between Jefferson and Adams, historic books, letters between the founding fathers, newspaper articles, and historical documents to base his argument; his sources are not one sided and show multiple…
The four distinct features of the late 1700’s on U.S. foreign policy were to emancipate from the dependence of Europe, provide for an American market of production, to protect Americans by sea, and general peace. Based on the “No Entangling Alliances” Jefferson’s main goal was clearing all debt and breaking tides with Europe. Although Jefferson wanted to break away from Europe roots he couldn’t stress enough on the importance of over sea trade. For as it was in the best interest of America to open trade with foreign markets. Due to France and Britain wanting to have control over all imports and exports, Jefferson deployed naval vessels to protect the coast of America. Finally, Jefferson wanted peace for the nation not wanting to deal with the…
R.B. Bernstein, a professor of law at New York Law School, and author of nearly twenty books on Early American legal and diplomatic history, is one of the latest in the long list of historians to attempt to tackle the life of Jefferson. In his work, Thomas Jefferson, Bernstein provides a well-organized and balanced history of Jefferson as he traces his life from his birth into one of Virginia’s wealthiest families, to his death as a man who was ridden with debt and insecure of his place in history. Published in 2003, the strength of Bernstein’s text does not lie in its ability to dissect this enigma of history, but in his ability to lay out his life and offer the facts as they exist without adding too much of his own opinion. Bernstein’s ability to write without muddling up the information he is presenting gives the reader a fairly unbiased look at the man who, in most of the other works he is covered in, takes the form of the authors perceptions. This is not to say that he does not give Jefferson credit for his achievements, or fault him where he deserves it, but Bernstein is able to point out these positive and negative features of Jefferson’s life without adding too much conjecture.…
I. Thomas Jefferson a) Born: April 13 th , 1743 Goochland, VA b) Died: July 4 th , 1826, Monticello,…
Thomas Jefferson through his life, his experiences have changed his view to suit what he believes is best for America. Jefferson grew up in a wealthy family and grew with a positive view of the people. He served as a Virginia delegate and as a Virginia state legislature member. Then, he was an author of the Declaration of Independence to create the new nation of America. Later, he became part of Washington’s cabinet as Secretary of State and served as a U.S. Minister to France. Through his political background, he grew skills to help hone his vision on how…
During the French Revolution when the U.S. had to make a decision to help the French, help the British, or stay neutral, many political parties were formed. The French aided America when they were in the midst of war with Great Britain. The U.S. and France agreed on a treaty, promising mutual military support if either country were to get in another war with the British. There were two main groups that formed due to the different opinions of what the U.S. should do during the time of war. Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton both were heads of forming the major political party groups. There were people who supported Thomas Jefferson’s political point of view, and they were known as Democratic Republicans. They thought that the U.S. should help the French. Jefferson’s letter…
In 1800 when Thomas Jefferson became the President, he recognized major changes in the US government. The Federalist Party was weakening at a high rate. Jefferson’s views and opinions were very from the Federalist Party. He believed in a smaller government and a more equal economy for all classes. During his presidency, his greatest achievement was most likely the Louisiana Purchase. This is where for only 15 million dollars; the United States purchased a large region of land left of the Mississippi from the Spanish. Although Louisiana was an incredible price, it was not good enough for the Republican territorial. The territories were too vague. Jefferson pushed ahead his plans to gain West Florida, but his attempts failed. Jefferson…
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, begins with the thoughts and quotes of other American presidents. Each explain their thoughts about Jefferson as if he was thought of in a different way than the rest. He was a founding father who playing several significant roles throughout history that have helped shape this great nation. This work written by Jon Meacham is a biography that depicts Jefferson as a very educated man. One who put the interests of a new nation ahead of his own desires. Meacham has had much experience researching and writing about our founding fathers. His writing in Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power follows a timeline that is also used in our class textbook.…
Former President Thomas Jefferson was a true role model to the American people during his time. He provided the governed people an incredible amount of hope, prosperity, and dignity. He fought for the British Colonies ' independence, for certain unalienable rights, and for the prohibition of slavery. Serving as the author of the Declaration of Independence as well as holding numerous political offices nationwide, Jefferson is a prime example of what we call today a “founding father.” Indubitably one of the most influential politicians in American history, he is still studied today as a symbol of America 's birth and a good model for true democracy. He is an icon that almost every American knows. Through countless monuments as well as the insignia on United States nickel coinage, Jefferson remains well-respected for his morality, diligence, and passion which helped to sculpt the integrity of our government, and is still recognized for the incredible feat.…
The early presidents acted in the best interest of America. From 1791 to 1813, American presidents put forth their best effort running the country to its greatest potential. Two president that clearly did this and acted in the interests of America were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.…
[4] Gutzman, Kevin R. C. "Thomas Jefferson 's Federalism, 1774-1825." Modern Age 53, no. 3, Summer 2012, 77.…
Cited: Alexander, John K. Samuel Adams: America 's Revolutionary Politician. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2002. Print.…