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Born: April 13, 1743 Died: July 4, 1826 Political Party: Democratic-Republican Terms of Service: 1801-1805, 1805-1809 Vice Presidents: Aaron Burr (1801-1805), George Clinton (1805-1809)
 * Thomas Jefferson**

Well known for writing the Declaration of Independence and other political affairs, Thomas Jefferson became the third President of the United States in 1801. If Jefferson were to be graded on his presidency, he would receive an B+. The Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the abolition of the slave trade contribute to this grade.

The revolution of 1800, or the fall of the Federalist party, is what Jefferson’s victory against John Adam’s re-election is referred to as. Both domestic affairs and foreign policy would play a large part in his terms of office. His first Inaugural Address focused on unity and religious tolerance, while his second reassured the people that the Louisiana Purchase would not endanger the union by spreading it‘s territory. Jefferson wanted a smaller government that gave power to the individual states. He also believed that the country should rely on a small militia for protection, and therefore reduced the army to two regiments. This would also help reduce taxes and debt, which was another one of his objectives. Repealing the Alien and Sedition Acts John Adams imposed, helped to diminish Federalist influence.

Jefferson had an excellent relationship with Congress. The majority party of both houses was Anti-Federalist, which contributed to their ability to work well together. The administration achieved its goal of looking to diminish the Federalist influence on political and economical policy. They did so by repealing the Alien and Sedition Acts and the tax which led to the Whiskey Rebellion.

Although having many positive outcomes of Jeffersonian rule, the Louisiana Purchase was the best. France, in dire need of money for the upcoming war with Britain was willing to sell their land that reached from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Napoleon offered all of this land for $15 million, or three cents an acre. This purchase would double the size of the country, and is easily the most noteworthy achievement of his administration. Even after spending the $15 million the nation’s debt would fall from $80 million to $57 million while he was in office. One of the most negative actions of his administration was the Embargo Act. After the Louisiana Purchase, France declared war on Britain. The British Navy began capturing American ships headed to Europe and forcing sailors to join the Royal Navy. Likewise, British sailors would desert their own ship and joined the US merchant vessels. Jefferson signed the Embargo Act, which stated that no American ship could sail to foreign ports and no foreign ship could unload cargo in America’s ports. Destroying the economy, the merchants in the northeast were in despair. At the end of his term Jefferson replaced it with the Non-Intercourse Act which allowed trade with all countries except France or Britain. The Embargo Act put a huge damper on the economy and practically halted trade.

The abolition of the slave trade influenced future presidential administrations and the lives of future generations. Thomas Jefferson said all men are created equal in the Declaration of Independence, and signed the bill that in January 1, 1808 banned importing slaves. Even though people would smuggle them into the country until the civil war, the numbers were lowered significantly. The abolition of the slave trade would influence Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery was a big issue for many years to come and this influenced abolitionists for generations. Nevertheless, Jefferson owned many slaves himself. This included a sketchy relationship with his slave Sally Hemings, with whom he supposedly fathered several children. This could send out mixed messages to people since he proclaimed everyone is equal and abolished slave trade but owned slaves himself. Jefferson could have swayed people either way, influencing different attitudes up to the Civil War.

At the end of Jefferson’s terms, America was in a better state of well being. The pluses of his administration outweigh the minuses, which results in his grade of B+. If it was not for the embargo and being hypocritical by owning slaves, Jefferson would rightfully deserve a solid A. But, this is not the case, and he has earned a B+ because the country was still better off after his administration.

Bibliography:

“American President: Thomas Jefferson: Foreign Affairs.” Miller Center of Public Affairs.N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2010. .

Degregorio, William A.. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Sevent Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents). 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print.

“Thomas Jefferson | The White House.” The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2010. .