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April 13, 1743 (Albemarle County, Virginia) - July 4, 1826 (Charlottesville, Virginia) Political Party: Democratic- Republican Terms: (Two Terms) March 4, 1801- March 4, 1809 Vice Presidents: Aaron Burr (1801-1805) and George Clinton (1805-1809) Thomas Jefferson’s presidency marked great changes in America’s Identity. During Jefferson’s first term America became involved in its first foreign war, known as the First Barbary War. For years Barbary pirates had been attacking American ships and taking hostages, while American paid them ransoms. After many battles the United States was rewarded with victory. The Barbary War gave America a reputation showing that they could hold their own during an overseas war and were able to stand united. The Louisiana Purchase was another great development in American identity. In the early days of his presidency Jefferson heard news of the Spaniards secretly trading Louisiana to France. He knew that if the French gained control of the area it could mean war, so he offered Napoleon 15 million dollars for the land. The purchase gave America a large expanse of land, and helped to avoid future disputes with France.
 * Thomas Jefferson **

Thomas Jefferson might not have been as successful if he had not inherited a nation that was both peaceful and prosperous. It is safe to say that he began his presidency in such a nation because of plans he helped to form. Before his presidency Jefferson was involved in many legislatures and is known for drafting the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson and his administration were on good terms and therefore were very successful during his terms. While they did experience some scruples with foreign policy, they also experienced many triumphs, most notably was the Louisiana Purchase. Thomas Jefferson was a great philosopher and an orator of liberty, but his second term was most disappointing, and for that he and his administration deserve a B. Known for being vary of the government, one of Jefferson’s main goals was to minimize the government’s control. He was most concerned with Adams’ Judiciary Act of 1801, which was an attempt of the Federalists to remain in control of the judicial branch. To accomplish this goal Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1802, which repealed the 1801 Act and eliminated the positions it set up. Other goals of his first term were to continue trade with England and maintain good standings with foreign nations. Due to the Embargo and Non-Importation Acts, trade with England was broken for a time, as were some relations with other foreign powers.

Thomas Jefferson was lucky to have had great support from Congress and his administration, which contributed to the success of achieving his goals. The support was primarily because the majority party in both the Senate and the House of Representatives was held by the Republicans during both of Jefferson’s terms. Jefferson had much support from Congress in most of his endeavors and he also supported them, such as when they enacted the Judiciary Act of 1802. The administration worked so well together that trade was flourishing and they were able to eliminate all internal taxes. Congress even stood behind Jefferson as he passed the notorious Embargo Act. After the Embargo Acts, Jefferson did lose support. One man said that Jefferson was ignoring states’ rights, even his own Vice President turned against him. Although the end of Jefferson’s second term wasn’t perfect, it is noted that the president did not ever need to use his veto abilities.

The Jefferson Administration’s greatest achievement was irrefutably the Louisiana Purchase. When France acquired Louisiana they shut off the ports to the United States. If Jefferson wanted to avoid civil disputes he needed to come up with a solution. After Napoleon Bonaparte had lost his campaign in Haiti he was at a disadvantage. He had wasted money on the attack and was now shifting his gaze towards the defeat of Great Britain. When Jefferson offered to buy Louisiana Bonaparte accepted the deal of 15 million dollars. The acquired land doubled the size of the United States and brought in much more opportunities for expansion in both commerce and territory. Although some, including Jefferson, thought the purchase was unconstitutional it proved to be a great success for the United States.

With success comes failure, and unfortunately Jefferson was no stranger to that. The most negative action of his presidency was the Embargo Acts. During Jefferson’s second term Britain and France entered a state of war. During the war Britain was seizing and searching American ships for navy deserters, while France was cutting off Britain from America which was jeopardizing American ships as well. When an American ship did not comply with the British warship Leopard’s demands for a search shots were fired. This angered Jefferson, who was trying to remain neutral, and in response he passed the Embargo Acts. These acts kept American ships in their ports and prevented exportation. Not only did this turn the two quarrelling nations against the U.S., but it also proved detrimental for Americans. American commerce depended on shipping, especially those in New England whose main economy was ship building and fishing. Farmers throughout the country weren’t able to ship their surpluses and many Americans resorted to smuggling. Congress tried to right the wrongs by passing more effective acts, but just before the end of his term Jefferson repealed the embargo. As a result of the acts Jefferson lost much support from his party and gained criticism from Federalists.

Although the Embargo Acts impacted the United States, it was only for a short time. One decision of the Jefferson administration that impacted future generations was the Louis and Clark expedition. Jefferson pushed for the voyage hoping that it would result in a newfound waterway from the Missouri to the Pacific. Although no waterway was found, the trip did convince Jefferson to push for the United States’ control of the continent. The voyage established trade between the western nations and the coastal states. It also set up claim to the entire Pacific Coast. Without the Louis and Clark expedition the United States would not be nearly the same enormous size that it is at the present.

The United States was definitely better off after Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. Although rocky towards the end of his term, Jefferson led many triumphs for the United States. Through the Barbary War America gained a reputation as a united country that could succeed across seas. America also gained large expanses of territory because of Jefferson’s quick thinking and futuristic ideals. Although America did lose trade and revenue due to the Embargo Acts, it proved to not be terribly harmful towards future generations. Jefferson may have lost support through his years, but he will always be one of America’s great presidents.

Beschloss, Michael, and Hugh Sidey. "Thomas Jefferson." The Presidents of the United States of America. N.p.: White House Historical Association, 2009. N. pag. The White House. Web. 16 Sept. 2012.
 * Works Cited: **

"First Barbary War." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Sept. 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War>. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Jones, Steve. "Foreign Policy Under ThomasÂ Jefferson." //About.com US Foreign Policy//. About.com, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. <http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/introtoforeignpolicy/a/Foreign-Policy-Under-Thomas-Jefferson.htm>.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Magill, Frank N. "Thoma Jefferson." //The American Presidents:The Office and the Men//. Vol. 1. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Educational, 1986. 59-83. Print. 1789-1860.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">"Presidency of Thomas Jefferson." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Sept. 2012. Web. 16 Sept. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_of_Thomas_Jefferson>.