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Thomas Jefferson April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826 in Shadwell, Virginia Terms of Office: March 1801 - March 1805, March 1805 - March 1809 (2 terms) Vice Presidents: Aaron Burr (1801-1805); George Clinton (1805-1809) Political Party: Democratic-Republican (Anti-Federalist) Thomas Jefferson was the first President ever to promote globalization even if he didn’t do it intentionally. By purchasing land from the French, he essentially started our imperial time period. That decision made America and made America realize we can get bigger and still be a solid country. Also, the fact that he also sent out Louis and Clark to explore the west is another reason why he promoted globalization. He wanted to know what was out there. Thomas Jefferson is one of the most well-known Presidents in United States history. He was a founding father and a signer and writer of the Declaration of Independence. I would give Thomas Jefferson a B for his job as President. His first term was very popular with the Louisiana Purchase, and the Lewis and Clark expedition. But his second-term was more of a problem. His trade embargo’s hurt the economy, and he had trouble with his personal life as his former Vice President was being charged for treason. In Thomas Jefferson’s first Inauguration Speech, he constantly talked about peace, equality and unity. He wanted all states to have a common goal, which under, they would all succeed. He believed everyone should be treated equally, no matter rich or poor, majority or minority. He stressed the fact that no matter what your opinion was you were a Republican and a federalist. In his second Inaugural address, Jefferson had more of a defensive tone. Due to the fact that many Americans were upset over the Louisiana Purchase, he talked a lot about it. He spoke about how the Louisiana Purchase would now allow settlers to cross the Mississippi safely. Also, all land now touching states was now all American land. The relationship that Thomas Jefferson had with Congress during his first term was much more smooth than the one in his second term. From 1801 – 1805, Jefferson and Congress were able to pass laws that gave more power to the people, which was part of Jefferson’s plan, and lessened the power of the nation’s central government. The government cut down on the debt drastically by downsizing the Army and Navy. They also eliminated all internal taxing. He was able to do successfully by running the whole nation on revenue made from trade tariffs. During Jefferson’s first term in office, most of congress consisted of Anti-Federalists or Democratic-Republicans which helped him when he was voted into power. But during Jefferson’s second term in office, the Anti-Federalist part of congress was having problems, so that hurt his relationship. Also when two Anti-Federalists, John Randolph and Aaron Burr who in fact was Vice-President in Jefferson’s first term, created a revolt in the western part of America, his relationship became even more strained. Jefferson then quickly ended the revolt. The main thing Jefferson’s Presidency is known for, is the Louisiana Purchase. He bought Louisiana from Napoleon in 1803 for around 15 million dollars. The French were near war with Britain at the time and needed money. So when Jefferson heard they were offering all of the land instead of a small portion he planned on getting he quickly bought the land. The Louisiana Purchased land now holds 5 states worth of land. It also contained the area between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. However, Jefferson did make some bad decisions during his presidency. The embargo act of 1807 was the one that really stuck out. The embargo act was designed to cease trading with the British and French to avoid conflict in their war. The outcome however was disastrous. The economy fell and New Engand was hardest hit of all the colonies due to their ports. The embargo act also lead to the war of 1812. The decision that affected the future however, was the Louisiana Purchase. Not only did Jefferson almost double the land of the colonies, he provided safe passage to the Mississippi river. Presidents after him were able to have more options with who to trade with (new Indians groups) they had new states to found. It was a great decision and without it our nation would have suffered. After all 8 years of his 2 terms were fulfilled Thomas Jefferson left the White House, having changed America for the better. Although his immediate effect on the country was not good, the war of 1812, he still has been able to become one of the most well-known Presidents in history. With having sent out the Louis and Clark expedition and buying Louisiana from Napoleon, Jefferson encouraged much discovery as if he were Columbus. He did good and bad things, but the fact that he is a founding father and is still known as a positive President shows that he was a good one.

Works Cited:

"Embargo Act of 1807." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. .

"Thomas Jefferson." //The White House//. The White House. Web. 13 Sept. 2011. .

Jefferson, Thomas. "Thomas Jefferson: Inaugural Address." //The American Presidency Project//. Web. 9 Sept. 2011. .

Jefferson, Thomas. "Thomas Jefferson: Inaugural Address." //The American Presidency Project//. Web. 9 Sept. 2011. .