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Thomas Jefferson

April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia-July 4, 1826 Charlottesville, Virginia (Monticello plantation)

Political Party: Democratic-Republican

Terms: March 4, 1801-March 4, 1809

Vice Presidents: First Term-Aaron Burr (1801-1805); Second Term-George Clinton (1805-1809)

During the start of the 19th century, America was still an adolescent country. Still not entirely united, the American Identity was an unstable concept. Following the French Revolution, the European powers of France and Britain were in a constant power struggle. America, politically, was attempting to stay as neutral as possible. However not all American citizens agreed that neutrality was the best option. The XYZ affair caused a war fever, and when John Adams announced that the colonies would not be going to war with France he felt the wrath of the American people. Into Jefferson’s terms, America’s neutrality to both France and Britain became increasingly tested, and naval battles caused yet again more cries for war, this time against Britain. While these foreign affairs were taking place, Americans had another choice to make. Political parties were beginning to develop, and two prominent groups rose to the surface, Federalist and Democratic-Republicans. Especially during Adam’s term, there was a clear distinction between which groups of Americans identified with each party. At times, these political parties made government progress difficult. These conflicts forced Mr. Jefferson to solve two primary goals, making the American people identify themselves as a united nation rather than separate organizations and to keep American ideas like neutrality alive so citizens could live by them.
 * Thematic Context **

Accounting for both his terms, Thomas Jefferson and his administration deserve a B. Through his first term, Thomas Jefferson helped expand America to twice its previous size with the Louisiana Purchase. He got rid of the much despised Whiskey tax while still reducing the national debt by a third. He also sent Naval power to deal with Barbary pirates who were attacking American ships. This helped to support America’s military reputation. Lastly, he removed America from the International Slave Trade, though he did not end slavery. Unfortunately, these beneficial events did not continue into Jefferson’s second term. At that time, France and Britain were still fighting and now they were dragging America into the battle. Though he attempted to peacefully deal with British impressment, Jefferson’s actions did more harm than good to the American people.
 * Thesis **

Thomas Jefferson ended the line of Federalist presidents, but he did not use his presidency to completely eradicate his opposing party. In his inaugural address he stressed the importance of harmony between the political parties in order for America to prosper. One of the most known Jefferson quotes, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” was used to support this cause, implying that despite different political views the American citizens were all united under a common central government. However, this central government was there mainly to protect American citizens from themselves, not to oppress them. In addition to this, Thomas Jefferson wanted to reform the American Society with specific goals in mind. Among these were equal justice for all men, support of state rights, increase in agriculture, and real alliances with foreign nations. Essentially, Jefferson wanted to ensure that the original American principles were being upheld.
 * Goals **

During his first term, Jefferson’s relationship with Congress was relatively well, even though the action of the Louisiana Purchase caused controversy. But during his second term, the relationship was damaged, primarily due to disputes between Republicans. Among many fights, one of the worst was a revolt in the West started by John Randolph and Aaron Burr. However, through hard work, Jefferson was able to contain Congress and keep it moderately effective. Throughout both terms of Jefferson's presidency, the Republicans were the majority party in Congress. One legislation passed was the Judiciary Act of 1802, which in a sense helped to repeal the Judiciary Act of 1801. Near the end of Jefferson's term, Congress repealed the Embargo Act of 1807.
 * Relationship With Congress **

The most positive event in Jefferson’s terms, and possibly one of the most positive events in Early American history, was the Louisiana Purchase. Practically doubling the size of America, it led the way for Westward expansion. In 1801, Spain returned territories in North America, specifically Louisiana, back to France. Napoleon had high hopes to redevelop French power in the New World. But as the war between France and Britain intensified, Napoleon's dreams were quickly thrown aside. Thomas Jefferson feared that if Louisiana belonged to the French, conflict would arise involving American trade. Originally hoping to purchase only Louisiana, Jefferson received a much bigger bounty, the entire Louisiana Territory. This included land that would become 15 different states, and small sections of Canada. This newly added property was virtually untouched by America, so Thomas Jefferson sent out two men, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to explore and map the area. This purchase was an enormous benefit to both the American citizens, and Jefferson’s legacy.
 * Positive Event **

During Thomas Jefferson’s term, the most negative event that took place was the Embargo Act of 1807. Though it’s original intent was to convince the European nations of British and France to respect American neutrality it only resulted in harming the American economy. The Embargo Act was passed after the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, an event consisting of British soldiers boarding an American merchant ship to find deserters of the British Navy. With the American people enraged and crying for war against the British, and the British only further promoting the impressment of American ships, Thomas Jefferson was forced to take action. Rather than take a military stance, he chose economic warfare. On December 21, 1807 the Embargo Act was passed, despite protests to instead just reuse the Non-Importation Acts. With this, American trade took a devastating hit, especially in the New England area and smuggling became increasingly common. On top of all this, the Embargo Act hardly affected the party it was intended for, the British. They were still able to export goods to America, specifically through Canada, but America was unable to do the same. By the end of his term Congress had repealed this Act. Jefferson tried to replace it with the Non-Intercourse Act, but this was just as, if not more, ineffective than its predecessor.
 * Negative Event **

While the Louisiana Purchase greatly affected America at the time it was purchased, it also left an impact for future presidents to come. Thomas Jefferson created much protest over Alexander Hamilton’s plan for a National Bank. He felt that the Constitution did not give the central government the power to create one, and that if they were not mentioned then they belonged to the States. However,when faced with the temptation of the Louisiana Territory, Jefferson went against his former beliefs and purchased this new territory, even though the Constitution did not state that the National Government could do so. It could be argued that this led to continued use of the Elastic Clause.
 * Influential Decision **

At the end of Jefferson’s final term America was still not involved in the war between France and Britain. However, the nation was beginning to feel the effects of the distant European conflict. British impressment added with Jefferson’s Embargo Act was taking its toll on the American economy. Despite this, America was still growing. It had just doubled in size through the Louisiana Purchase, and the newly gained ownership of the Mississippi River opened a new trade route. The country seemed to be a bit more united than it had been in the past, with a national government supporting its people. And in 1808 America had been removed from the International Slave Trade, possibly leading the way for true equality in America. Balancing both the strong start and weak finish of Jefferson’s presidency, Jefferson and his administration deserve a solid B for their work.
 * Conclusion **


 * Bibliography **

"Embargo of 1807." Thomas Jeffersons Monticello. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .

Kelly, Martin. "Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase." About.com American History. About.com, n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .

Peters, Gerhard. "Thomas Jefferson: Inaugural Address." The American Presidency Project. The American Presidency Project, n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .

"Presidential Accomplishments." History Bookshelf. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .

"Thomas Jefferson Biography." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Advameg Inc., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .

"Thomas Jefferson." The White House. Usa.gov, n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2013. .