Thomas Jefferson left many important legacies; his most important ones in my opinion were the Tripolitan War, Louisiana Purchase and the Embargo of 1807. These all highlight Jefferson’s reign of Presidency from 1801 to 1809.
Though, Jefferson originally had planned for the US to have a smaller army, so that he could portray America as a peaceful country to forgo war. His plans were abandoned when US faced conflict with Pirates of the North African Barbary States. These pirates plundered and blackmailed merchant ships. The US paid millions of dollars to the pirates, in order for their ships to not be plundered. Jefferson did not believe in paying these pirates. The pasha of Tripoli was unsatisfied with the amount of money paid, therefore declaring war on the US. Jefferson rose to the challenge, and went against his pacifist beliefs and sent a navy to Tripoli. After 4 years of war, Jefferson succeeded in exerting a treaty of peace with Tripoli in 1805. The US had to pay a ransom of $60,000 for captured Americans. This was America’s first major win across seas; it shows how Jefferson can do what is best for the country, instead of what is best for him.
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal that nearly doubled the size of America. France bargained with Spain to join the French empire, so that France owned the region of Louisiana. Many Americans were distraught about the secret exchange of power. Jefferson wanted to avoid all conflict with France and Spain, because the leader of France, Napoleon, was dynamite and a volatile person. To avoid conflict, Jefferson sent over delegates to purchase and negotiate Louisiana region. Jefferson did not want the delegates to spend over $10 million; but contrary to Jefferson’s wishes, they spent $15 million on Louisiana or about three cents an acre. By purchasing Louisiana Jefferson tactically avoided future conflicts and gained more territory for America. It was one of his smartest moves.
The Embargo of 1807 ended trade with Britain and France. A much-anticipated war between England and France, both American trading partners, escaladed. The British closed European ports under French control to foreign shipping. While Napoleon ordered to plunder merchant ships entering British ports. Both actions affected America. It became worse when Britain started impressing American seamen. Jefferson knew that America cannot be entangled with Europe’s drama, therefore Jefferson passes the Embargo of 1807. He thought that by ending trade with France and Britain, they would both give up and end the war. The embargo hurts America’s economy more than it hurts Britain and France. New England merchants cannot sell to Europe, which stifles there economy and south planters cannot sell tobacco, which causes them to lose money also. Because of the embargo, many people began to smuggle, which effectively killed Jefferson’s earlier ideas. Jefferson’s embargo was not his brightest move, but was a way for him to avoid war with Britain and France. After this embargo, his popularity declined.
In my opinion Thomas Jefferson was one of the better U.S. presidents. Jefferson was responsible for nearly doubling the United State’s land mass in the Louisiana Purchase. With the vast amount of new land, Jefferson sent a group of explorers to document and map the unknown territory. This became known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition which helped create the foundation for further western settlement. Along with the addition of land, Thomas Jefferson is best known for his diplomatic stance. Thomas Jefferson created the Embargo Act of 1807 which declared neutrality by trading with neither Britain nor France. The most important actions during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency were the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
The Louisiana Purchase was an important part of Jefferson’s presidency because it increased the size of the United States. New Orleans and land west of the Mississippi River was purchased for $15 million or 3¢ an acre. Also the Louisiana Purchase prevented the possible war with Spain and France. Since Spain gave the territory of Louisiana to the French the rights of the Pinckney Treaty of 1795 became void. Angry farmers threatened to march to New Orleans and violently get back what they deserved, which would have caused a war with both France and Spain. Incase of the war with France and Spain, Jefferson planned on making an alliance with Britain. The Louisiana Purchase eliminated the possibility of war with France and Spain and prevented a potential alliance with Britain.
After the addition of new land due to the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was launched in 1804 with an expectation of gaining a sense of the resources available in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition was also conducted to explore the most direct and realistic water way across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. This expedition sparked an interest in western expansion. Although Lewis and Clark did not find a probable water way to the Pacific Ocean they did document many new plants and animals never before seen by Americans. Also the expedition created accurate maps of the once unexplored land and created friendly relationships with some Native tribes.
During Jefferson’s two term presidency he succeeded in keeping the United States neutral and out of war. The creation of the Embargo Act of 1807 prohibited trade with America’s two biggest commercial allies, Britain and France. Britain and France had been fighting their own war in Europe and Jefferson thought that the two countries depended on American trade, which was really the opposite. His idea was that by not supporting any of the two countries by creating an embargo the two countries would have to stop fighting. In reality the embargo had quite an effect on Britain and if continued it might have been successful. But the embargo was short lived; it was repealed by Congress in 1809. The Embargo Act of 1807 kept the United States out of war with the cost of its own economy. But the embargo ultimately helped in the promotion of industrialism, this being ironic as Jefferson was an agrarian.
All in all Jefferson served as one of the better presidents in U.S. history. Jefferson’s important contributions including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Embargo Act of 1807 helped shape the United States of today.
Although Thomas Jefferson was under heavy scrutiny throughout his presidency, a few key decisions helped keep the country at peace and prospering despite their effect on his popularity. While most of these decisions tend to be viewed in a negative light when comparing him to his precedents, Washington and Adams, they nonetheless created a legacy of his presidency. In my opinion, I see the three most important aspects and events as the Barbary Pirates war, the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Embargo of 1807. The years before the war with the pirates, Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean were being paid by American trading ships so that their ships would not be plundered. Jefferson did not believe in this, and ordered the traders to stop paying the pirates. The result was a declaration of war by the pasha of Tripoli, the Barbary pirate leader. A war follows for about two years, also forcing Jefferson to go against his values again in the rebuild-up of an army and navy. Jefferson eventually resolves a treaty between Tripoli and the pirates, and pays $60,000 for the release of American hostages. Although Jefferson went against his beliefs and morals with the events in the Mediterranean, it showed that he saw the well being of his country and its foreign neutrality as a more important decision-maker, even if that means taking a passive stance. Jefferson also put his own values aside with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. France had secretly aligned with Spain, giving the country similar land access all the way up to the American frontier. Jefferson sent delegates to France, hoping to negotiate a purchase of Louisiana and ensure peaceful relations between France. The diabolical and ruthless Napoleon instead offered the whole of the Louisiana Territory to Jefferson for $15 million, rather than just the city of Louisiana for $10 million. Although Jefferson was against the purchase as it would be a large and disliked extension of federal power, he accepted the offer in favor of foreign neutrality with France and Spain. And Jefferson’s following expedition in which he sent his friend Meriwether Lewis and William Clark confirmed the great growing room the country would have to prosper, despite Jefferson’s feelings of it. Again, though Jefferson’s personal views conflict with the decision, he chooses what is best for the country, a legacy by which many future presidents do not abide. The Embargo of 1807 is a result of the war between Britain and France. Despite Jefferson’s attempt to stay neutral, Britain was impressing American sailors, and capturing deserters off America’s own ships. He must take action, but does not want to sacrifice neutrality. Jefferson then passes the Embargo Act of 1807, which forbids trade with both Britain and France, so as to not indirectly take sides. While his motives behind this are well intentioned, the two countries are able to resist the trade more than the Americans themselves. Manufacturers in New England are hurt while Southern planters have nowhere to send their cash crops, and smuggling killed the restriction of trade the act required to work. While Jefferson’s popularity declined through this act, it showed his perseverance to keep peace with other countries, as did the Barbary Pirates war and the Louisiana Purchase.
Thomas Jefferson's presidency was lined with his hypocrisy and controversial beliefs. However, despite these that make Jefferson look like a poor president, he ultimately made the right decisions for the United States despite his beliefs. Jefferson's most important legacies as president were the Barbary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
The Barbary War or Tripolitan War was fought in the Mediterranean off of the north coast of Africa. Barbary Pirates in the area were raiding American trading vessels and disrupting trade with Europe. America was secretly bribing the pirates not to raid US ships. Eventually, debt built up and Pasha declared war on the US. The American Navy fought the Barbary Pirates from 1801 until Jefferson signed a treaty in 1805 and agreed to pay 60,000 dollars for the release of captured Americans. This war was important because it showed that Jefferson would contradict his own beliefs in order to do the right thing for his country. It also preference of peace by signing a treaty that did not favor the United States.
The US bought French land west of the Mississippi River in the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson originally sent men to buy as much French land as possible for 10 million dollars, but they ended up buying all French land in the Americas for 15 million dollars. This was important because, again, Jefferson contradicted his beliefs to do the right thing for the country. Jefferson believed in strict interpretation of the constitution, and it did not say in the constitution that the President could purchase land for the country. However, he got the purchase approved by the senate and the Louisiana purchase was a bargain; land was bought at around 3 cents per acre. The Louisiana Purchase also stimulated America's hunger for more land, which was a contributor to the war of 1812 and the further expansion of the United States.
The Embargo Act of 1807 was important because it was Jefferson's approach to keep the US out of war. He enforced peaceful measures before violent ones. The Embargo Act of 1807 was where Jefferson cut off all trade with England and France in response to English impressment of US ships. This, overall, hurt America's economy and was a bad decision, but was important because it enforced the policy of staying neutral and peaceful.
Thomas Jefferson's three most lasting achievments were the Louisiana Purchase, The Trade Embargo of 1807, and the conflict with the Barbary Pirates. Robert Livingston and James Monroe negotiated with Napolean in Paris for the tract of French land in the New world. They secured it for $15 million, about 3 cents an acre. The size of the United States nearly doubled overnight because of Jefferson's quick thinking in sending negotiators to France. In 1807, Jefferson passed the Embargo Act. The idea behind it was that France and Britain didn't respect America as a country, but Jefferson thought they were completely dependant on American trade. The Embargo Act banned the exportation of any goods to any country. Unfortunatley, France and Britain were able to supplmenent their economies, while America's suffered. They was a great surplus of manufactured goods that no one would or could buy. Smuggling was commonplace. Citizens hated the act and i was subsequently repeled in 1809. Then trade was only banned with Britain and France. Prates were attacking American merchant ships trying to trade in the Meditteranian. Jefferson was forced to fight when the leader of Tripoli informally declared war. Jefferson built a navy and sent it to war. After four years of fighting, a treaty was reached and $60,000 was paid to the pirates for the safe return of alll prisoners. When Jefferson was elected president, it was directly after Washington and Adams, so he had a big pair of shoes to fill. Despite the situation, he handle himself very well and perservered through the trials.
Anna Geer Thomas Jefferson had a very rocky presidency. While some of his actions like the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition which bettered the country others, like the Embargo of 1807 were for the worse. The Louisiana Purchase was a great and unconstitutional move that Jefferson made. It does not say in the constitution that the president can make treaties and purchase new land but that is exactly what Jefferson did. He bought the Louisiana territory for $15 million and prevented war with France and Spain. This move nearly doubled the size of the United Sates. To figure out how big this land was, Jefferson sent out Louis and Clark to see how much land was west of the Mississippi and what the land was like. Louis and Clark hiked and used a boat all bought with tax payers money. They kept detailed accounts of their trip. The Embargo of 1807 was not one of the things that Jefferson could be proud of. The embargo blocked trade with two of Americas biggest trade allies. While it did keep the United States out of war and increase industrialism it sent the economy spiraling downward. Overall Jefferson was one of the better presidents, he doubled the size of our country with the Louisiana Purchase, left detailed maps of the west after Louis and Clarks expedition, but he also hurt the economy of the country by enacting the Embargo of 1807. Without his accomplishments we would not be the country we are today.
Jefferson was largely an effective president. His presidency was fraught with difficult issues, and some of those problems were handled poorly, but in general he was successful. Many of his decisions contradicted his earlier political stances. However, this may be considered positive, because it indicates that his decisions were influenced more by practical considerations than by political biases. Overall, the three most significant legacies of his presidency and administration were probably the Louisiana Purchase, the Marbury v. Madison case, and the preservation of neutrality and prevention of war.
The Louisiana Purchase was likely the most dramatic legacy of Jefferson's presidency. The new territorial gains caused a major change in the boundaries of the country and the new holdings would play a major role in later pioneer expansion. The acquisition also set up a precedent of purchasing new land as opposed to gaining it by conquest. The acceptance of new states in these areas shaped America as a land of equally United States, not an empire ruling over vassal states. Jefferson's decision to purchase land, although the power to purchase land was not provided for in the Constitution, was important because it showed that Jefferson was willing to do what he felt was best, even if it meant contradicting an earlier stance. (He chose to act in a way he believed was unconstitutional, when he had earlier advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.)
Also highly significant was the Marbury v. Madison case, which secured for the Supreme Court the power to interpret the Constitution. This case dramatically affected the balance of power between branches and plays a vital role today in the workings of government. This landmark case was one of the most important happenings during Jefferson's presidency.
Also important was the Jeffersonian anti-war policy of neutrality. Jefferson was successful in staving off war with Britain and France, although his embargo was a pathetic failure. The embargo hurt New England merchants far more than either of the target nations. The embargo did, however, nurture industry, an unintended but lasting effect of Jeffersonian policy. Despite his failures, Jefferson did preserve neutrality. He prevented the infant nation from entering what might have been a costly war.
Jefferson's presidency left many legacies. The Louisiana Purchase, the Marbury v. Madison case, and the avoidance of war with Britain and France were important then and now. Some of Jefferson's policies did fail, and the president often contradicted his own ideals, but in general he made the right decisions for the right reasons, and the legacies of his administration were positive.
I feel that the Jefferson presidency was rough, as he was faced with some bad circumstances and hard decisions. I would say that his greatest legacies are the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expeditions, and the Embargo of 1807.
Perhaps one of the most important things during Jefferson's presidency was the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase. It effectively doubled the size of the country overnight and the land cost only 3 cents per square mile. This stopped Napolean from getting the huge amount of land bordering the US, which would put the country at risk of attack in the French plan for the conquest of and empire the western world. It also caused a heightened interest in Western expansion.
After buying the massive Louisiana Purchase, which was largely unexplored. Jefferson contracted Lewis and Clark to explore and chart the new land. Lewis and Clark's detailed accounts of their expeditions provided new maps of the area as well as descriptions of new species of plants and animals.
One of the negative legacies of Jefferson's presidency was the Embargo of 1807. The decision was made to promote the American position of neutrality during the war between the nation's biggest trade partners, France and Britain. Jefferson made this decision following Britain's impressment of American soldiers and France's raiding of US ships. The goal of the embargo was to hurt France and Great Britain's economies, but ultimately it hurt our country's economies far worse than it affected theirs. With our two biggest trade partners out of the picture, many New England ports were closed down. There was no one to buy the manufactured goods as well as no one to buy the cash crops from the South. Many Americans were forced to turn to smuggling to get by. In the end, this Embargo caused a major decline in Jefferson's popularity.
Jefferson’s presidency was fraught with controversies, and throughout this time, he left many legacies. In my opinion, the most important of these legacies were the Barbary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
The Barbary War against the pirates of the North African Barbary States showed Jefferson’s position as a reluctant warrior. The pirates had a long history of blackmail and plunder, attacking American merchant ships that sailed into the Mediterranean. In 1801, the pasha of Tripoli became unsatisfied with the bribery money he was currently being paid by Americans and declared war on the United States. Although Jefferson was usually indisposed to fight, he sent America’s small navy to face the pirates. In 1805, after four years of fighting, Jefferson made a treaty with Tripoli, agreeing to pay $60,000 for the ransoms of captured Americans and for future peace. This event showed Jefferson’s preference for peace and his decision to go against what he normally advocated in favor of what he believed better for the country.
The Louisiana Purchase was another of Jefferson’s important legacies. In 1803, Jefferson sent two envoys to buy New Orleans and as much land east of it as possible for no more than $10 million. But instead, Napoleon offered them the entire gigantic tract of land of Louisiana for $15 million. Jefferson was heavily conflicted on this issue; he realized that it was a great deal, at about 3 cents an acre, but conceded that there was nothing in the Constitution allowing the purchase of land. Jefferson, admitting that it was unconstitutional, nevertheless sent the treaty to the Senate for approval, where it was quickly accepted. This showed that Jefferson changed his mind on the strict versus loose interpretation of the Constitution issue for this situation to acquire land for the United States, setting a precedent.
Jefferson enacted the Embargo Act late in 1807 in an attempt to put an end to the French-British war. This embargo prevented the export of all goods from the United States. Jefferson wanted to peacefully stop the war of the rivaling European powers by cutting off American trade to both of the countries; he believed that France and Britain relied on American supplies for the war, and without those supplies, the two countries would no longer seize American ships. However, he overestimated their reliance on America’s goods, and ended up hurting the United States’ own economy. Due to this damage and the negative public opinion, Congress repealed this act in 1809. Although much of the effects of the embargo were harmful, it caused a surge in industry, with Americans having to produce goods for money and necessity instead of trade for them. This again showed Jefferson’s desire of a peaceful country.
Thomas Jefferson was probably one of the smartest presidents that ever served and I think he was really burdoned by his job and he had to make some tough decisions that were not that popular. In my opinion his three most important legacies were the Louisiana Purchase, the writing of the decleration of independance and the Barbary war.
The Louisiana purchase was the most important because Thomas Jefferson was responsible for doubling the size of the United States over night and not only that but he payed 15 million dollars for it which sounds like a lot during that time but it ended up being 3 cents per acre which is an incredible bargain and it was totally worth it and probably the best deal any one could get for that much land. Not only did he get all that land but he sent lewis and clark to map it and reach the pacific ocean and they discovered a lot and were able to map most of the land out.
Another thing he did was write the decleration of independance it is clearly one of the most important documents in american history and Thomas Jefferson was responsible for writing most of it. Although he was a hypocrite for saying that all men were created equally and he owned slaves it still was a very important document and it led to the revolutionary war which led to the independance of the United States.
His third greatest legacy was everything he did in the Barbary wars. First the pirates attacked us and started a whole war in which jefferson was forced to send the United states tiny navy to go and fight off the pirates attacking people in the mediterranean sea. After four years of fighting he finally decided to pay off the pirates 60,000 dollars for the return of hostages and further peace and this showed how he clearly would want peace over anything and he is responsible for stopping this war.
Thomas Jefferson was a good president; although given what he wrote for his gravestone, he thought that his greatest achievements were author of Declaration of Independence and father of the University of Virginia, not his presidency. The most important legacies from his two-term presidency from 1801-1809 were the promotion of ideas of Republicans, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the repeal of the Judiciary Act of 1801 which led to an important Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison that established judicial review, giving courts the power to declare statues unconstitutional.
Thomas Jefferson promoted republican ideas in that he continued to favor states’ rights and a strictly limited federal government during his presidency. He also supported the separation of church and state. He cut excise tax on whiskey and reduced spending, mostly by downsizing the military. He believed that have a national debt was a danger to the country.
Like my classmates, I think the another important part of his legacy was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the U.S. purchased from Napoleon for $15 million, roughly 800,000 square miles for about 3 cents an acre. This purchase was important because it doubled the size of the nation by opening up new territories to the west, removed France from the western border, and enabled transportation of goods to Europe by way of New Orleans. The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806) happened after the purchase. There was some controversy for Jefferson to have signed the agreement before getting approval from Congress, especially since he was a strong supporter of the Constitution but, there was nothing in the Constitution that said that he couldn’t do it.
The third important event that happened during Jefferson’s terms was the establishment of judicial review. At the end of Adam’s term of presidency, he commissioned several circuit judges with the Judiciary Act of 1801. Jefferson repealed the Act. William Marbury had been commissioned by President John Adams as Justice of Peace. When he wasn’t delivered the commission after Jefferson was inaugurated, he sued President Jefferson’s Secretary of State, James Madison. In the case, of Marbury v. Madison, the Chief Justice Marshall agreed that Marbury was entitled to the commission but the statues which allowed Marbury remedy was unconstitutional. This decision granted Supreme Court power beyond what the Constitution permitted; it established judicial review giving courts the power to declare statues unconstitutional.
Thomas Jefferson's three most lasting achieving moments in his presidency were the conflict with the Barbary pirates, The Louisiana Purchase, and The Embargo Act of 1807 because these three achievements helps maintain his shaky presidency even though he becomes a successful president later on. Thomas Jefferson held his composture the North African State Tripoli declared war on the U.S. Even though Tomas Jefferson didn't like having a large, strong, standing military or navy he sends the navy. In the four year battle Jefferson was successful after it ends. The treaty of peace was signed in Tripoli, but it was only signed because Jefferson payed Tripoli for $60,000 for exchange of the safety for the prisoners. The Louisiana Purchase was another important achievement that Thomas Jefferson made. The Louisiana Purchase was a deal between the French and the Americans. Thomas Jefferson sends James Monroe and Robert Livingston to bargain with Napoleoan for the land of New Orleans and Louisiana. Jefferson only wanted them to purchase the land for about $10 million, but instead they bargain the land for about $15 million. After the purchase Jefferson had a dilemma, since the Constitution said nothing about purchasing foreign land. With the Louisiana Purchase this helps doubles America's size. And last with the Embargo Act of 1807, Jefferson believed that this act would of helped with the British and the French to stop seizing of American ships and also to shut down shipping, but this act backfires when he didn't realize that America relies on European's good. The Embargo Act forbide the export of all goods from the United States to any foreign nation, regardless of whether they were transported in American or foreign ships. This hurts America's economy. The Congress repeals this act in 1809. Even though this act didn't work Jefferson makes it up by promoting a strong navy for America.
Though he was only the third person elected to the office of President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson’s tenure began in an unconventional fashion. Even though Jefferson won the election of 1800, the race was officially called a tie due to a technicality. According to the Constitution the winner would be chosen in the House of Representatives, which was dominated by the Federalists. Jefferson, being part of the opposing Republican party, was not viewed favorably by the House. However, Federalist leaders were worried about public outcry if Jefferson was not granted the presidency; Federalist step down from office in 1800. In this way, Jefferson’s reign as president began in a unique way. Unconventionality continued to define Jefferson’s presidency, especially through his successful Louisiana Purchase, his failed trade embargos, and his decision to decrease the size of the United States army. In 1803, Jefferson sent James Monroe to join Robert R. Livingston to buy New Orleans and as much land as they could West of the Mississippi River for ten million. Napoleon was in need of money because his war in Britain left France financially unstable Napoleon then offered all the land he currently owned in exchange for fifteen million dollars from Monroe and the United States of America. In an unprecedented move, the Constitution had no explicit mention of a way to purchase foreign land, Jefferson went through with the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. Due to his reluctance to go to war, Jefferson dealt with foreign desputes by creating trade embargos against other countries. Jefferson believed that Britain and France depended on American goods, but the truth of the matter was that America was much more depended on resources from Britain and France. The Embargo Act of late 1807 forbid America to trade with any foreign country, no matter if they were brought in American or foreign ships. His embargos were not effective and led to more international smuggling. The longer that Jefferson’s embargo was allowed to go on, the more power the opposing Federalist party gained. Jefferson did not like the thought of a standing army due to his idea of the army turning on their country and disobeying orders from the President. Jefferson then reduced standing militia to 2500 men and the navies were reduced during times of peace. The only increase that Jefferson supported was after the Tripoli war where he discovered small ineffective boats and decided to build about 200 of them. These boats were fast but very ineffective against large battleships that the British navy used often. Jefferson spent 60,000 on a treaty with Tripoli in 1865, when initially he could have used that money to win the war in the beginning instead of taking four years. Jefferson's unprecedented policies regarding war contributed to the negative aspects of his presidency. Jefferson's unprecedented policies regarding war contributed to the negative aspects of his presidency His Louisiana Purchase was the defining point in his presidency, creating many new opportunities for the country His trade embargos and decisions to reduce militia size were questionable, but still contributed to his distinctive legacy as president. Overall Jefferson made some huge decisions that shaped America for the better, even though some of his foreign policies were not the best he still drove America to a success future. Michael Khoury
Thomas Jefferson was a good president and the three most important legacies, in my opinion, were the Louisiana Purchase, author of Declaration of Independence, and the Tripolitan War. The Louisiana Purchase was important because it allowed us to freely navigate the Mississippi River and its benefits to the nation were that it doubled the size of the United States which allowed us to further expand our settlement and create new states. The Declaration was important because it declared the colonies of North America free from British control and it led to the formation of the federal government. As being the author of the Declaration of Independence he must have gained a lot of popularity towards the decisions made from his document. Finally, the Tripolitan War was important because Thomas Jefferson chose peace instead of continuing the fighting that lasted two years. He payed $60,000 in order to release American hostages from the pirates. Even though he went against his beliefs of going at war, he still made the right choice in ending the fight and continue to live in peace. -Raul Galvan
Spirit week points please!~
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson left many important legacies; his most important ones in my opinion were the Tripolitan War, Louisiana Purchase and the Embargo of 1807. These all highlight Jefferson’s reign of Presidency from 1801 to 1809.
ReplyDeleteThough, Jefferson originally had planned for the US to have a smaller army, so that he could portray America as a peaceful country to forgo war. His plans were abandoned when US faced conflict with Pirates of the North African Barbary States. These pirates plundered and blackmailed merchant ships. The US paid millions of dollars to the pirates, in order for their ships to not be plundered. Jefferson did not believe in paying these pirates. The pasha of Tripoli was unsatisfied with the amount of money paid, therefore declaring war on the US. Jefferson rose to the challenge, and went against his pacifist beliefs and sent a navy to Tripoli. After 4 years of war, Jefferson succeeded in exerting a treaty of peace with Tripoli in 1805. The US had to pay a ransom of $60,000 for captured Americans. This was America’s first major win across seas; it shows how Jefferson can do what is best for the country, instead of what is best for him.
The Louisiana Purchase was a deal that nearly doubled the size of America. France bargained with Spain to join the French empire, so that France owned the region of Louisiana. Many Americans were distraught about the secret exchange of power. Jefferson wanted to avoid all conflict with France and Spain, because the leader of France, Napoleon, was dynamite and a volatile person. To avoid conflict, Jefferson sent over delegates to purchase and negotiate Louisiana region. Jefferson did not want the delegates to spend over $10 million; but contrary to Jefferson’s wishes, they spent $15 million on Louisiana or about three cents an acre. By purchasing Louisiana Jefferson tactically avoided future conflicts and gained more territory for America. It was one of his smartest moves.
The Embargo of 1807 ended trade with Britain and France. A much-anticipated war between England and France, both American trading partners, escaladed. The British closed European ports under French control to foreign shipping. While Napoleon ordered to plunder merchant ships entering British ports. Both actions affected America. It became worse when Britain started impressing American seamen. Jefferson knew that America cannot be entangled with Europe’s drama, therefore Jefferson passes the Embargo of 1807. He thought that by ending trade with France and Britain, they would both give up and end the war. The embargo hurts America’s economy more than it hurts Britain and France. New England merchants cannot sell to Europe, which stifles there economy and south planters cannot sell tobacco, which causes them to lose money also. Because of the embargo, many people began to smuggle, which effectively killed Jefferson’s earlier ideas. Jefferson’s embargo was not his brightest move, but was a way for him to avoid war with Britain and France. After this embargo, his popularity declined.
this is great
DeleteIn my opinion Thomas Jefferson was one of the better U.S. presidents. Jefferson was responsible for nearly doubling the United State’s land mass in the Louisiana Purchase. With the vast amount of new land, Jefferson sent a group of explorers to document and map the unknown territory. This became known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition which helped create the foundation for further western settlement. Along with the addition of land, Thomas Jefferson is best known for his diplomatic stance. Thomas Jefferson created the Embargo Act of 1807 which declared neutrality by trading with neither Britain nor France. The most important actions during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency were the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
ReplyDeleteThe Louisiana Purchase was an important part of Jefferson’s presidency because it increased the size of the United States. New Orleans and land west of the Mississippi River was purchased for $15 million or 3¢ an acre. Also the Louisiana Purchase prevented the possible war with Spain and France. Since Spain gave the territory of Louisiana to the French the rights of the Pinckney Treaty of 1795 became void. Angry farmers threatened to march to New Orleans and violently get back what they deserved, which would have caused a war with both France and Spain. Incase of the war with France and Spain, Jefferson planned on making an alliance with Britain. The Louisiana Purchase eliminated the possibility of war with France and Spain and prevented a potential alliance with Britain.
After the addition of new land due to the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was launched in 1804 with an expectation of gaining a sense of the resources available in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition was also conducted to explore the most direct and realistic water way across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. This expedition sparked an interest in western expansion. Although Lewis and Clark did not find a probable water way to the Pacific Ocean they did document many new plants and animals never before seen by Americans. Also the expedition created accurate maps of the once unexplored land and created friendly relationships with some Native tribes.
During Jefferson’s two term presidency he succeeded in keeping the United States neutral and out of war. The creation of the Embargo Act of 1807 prohibited trade with America’s two biggest commercial allies, Britain and France. Britain and France had been fighting their own war in Europe and Jefferson thought that the two countries depended on American trade, which was really the opposite. His idea was that by not supporting any of the two countries by creating an embargo the two countries would have to stop fighting. In reality the embargo had quite an effect on Britain and if continued it might have been successful. But the embargo was short lived; it was repealed by Congress in 1809. The Embargo Act of 1807 kept the United States out of war with the cost of its own economy. But the embargo ultimately helped in the promotion of industrialism, this being ironic as Jefferson was an agrarian.
All in all Jefferson served as one of the better presidents in U.S. history. Jefferson’s important contributions including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Embargo Act of 1807 helped shape the United States of today.
Although Thomas Jefferson was under heavy scrutiny throughout his presidency, a few key decisions helped keep the country at peace and prospering despite their effect on his popularity. While most of these decisions tend to be viewed in a negative light when comparing him to his precedents, Washington and Adams, they nonetheless created a legacy of his presidency. In my opinion, I see the three most important aspects and events as the Barbary Pirates war, the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Embargo of 1807.
ReplyDeleteThe years before the war with the pirates, Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean were being paid by American trading ships so that their ships would not be plundered. Jefferson did not believe in this, and ordered the traders to stop paying the pirates. The result was a declaration of war by the pasha of Tripoli, the Barbary pirate leader. A war follows for about two years, also forcing Jefferson to go against his values again in the rebuild-up of an army and navy. Jefferson eventually resolves a treaty between Tripoli and the pirates, and pays $60,000 for the release of American hostages. Although Jefferson went against his beliefs and morals with the events in the Mediterranean, it showed that he saw the well being of his country and its foreign neutrality as a more important decision-maker, even if that means taking a passive stance.
Jefferson also put his own values aside with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. France had secretly aligned with Spain, giving the country similar land access all the way up to the American frontier. Jefferson sent delegates to France, hoping to negotiate a purchase of Louisiana and ensure peaceful relations between France. The diabolical and ruthless Napoleon instead offered the whole of the Louisiana Territory to Jefferson for $15 million, rather than just the city of Louisiana for $10 million. Although Jefferson was against the purchase as it would be a large and disliked extension of federal power, he accepted the offer in favor of foreign neutrality with France and Spain. And Jefferson’s following expedition in which he sent his friend Meriwether Lewis and William Clark confirmed the great growing room the country would have to prosper, despite Jefferson’s feelings of it. Again, though Jefferson’s personal views conflict with the decision, he chooses what is best for the country, a legacy by which many future presidents do not abide.
The Embargo of 1807 is a result of the war between Britain and France. Despite Jefferson’s attempt to stay neutral, Britain was impressing American sailors, and capturing deserters off America’s own ships. He must take action, but does not want to sacrifice neutrality. Jefferson then passes the Embargo Act of 1807, which forbids trade with both Britain and France, so as to not indirectly take sides. While his motives behind this are well intentioned, the two countries are able to resist the trade more than the Americans themselves. Manufacturers in New England are hurt while Southern planters have nowhere to send their cash crops, and smuggling killed the restriction of trade the act required to work. While Jefferson’s popularity declined through this act, it showed his perseverance to keep peace with other countries, as did the Barbary Pirates war and the Louisiana Purchase.
Thomas Jefferson's presidency was lined with his hypocrisy and controversial beliefs. However, despite these that make Jefferson look like a poor president, he ultimately made the right decisions for the United States despite his beliefs. Jefferson's most important legacies as president were the Barbary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
ReplyDeleteThe Barbary War or Tripolitan War was fought in the Mediterranean off of the north coast of Africa. Barbary Pirates in the area were raiding American trading vessels and disrupting trade with Europe. America was secretly bribing the pirates not to raid US ships. Eventually, debt built up and Pasha declared war on the US. The American Navy fought the Barbary Pirates from 1801 until Jefferson signed a treaty in 1805 and agreed to pay 60,000 dollars for the release of captured Americans. This war was important because it showed that Jefferson would contradict his own beliefs in order to do the right thing for his country. It also preference of peace by signing a treaty that did not favor the United States.
The US bought French land west of the Mississippi River in the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson originally sent men to buy as much French land as possible for 10 million dollars, but they ended up buying all French land in the Americas for 15 million dollars. This was important because, again, Jefferson contradicted his beliefs to do the right thing for the country. Jefferson believed in strict interpretation of the constitution, and it did not say in the constitution that the President could purchase land for the country. However, he got the purchase approved by the senate and the Louisiana purchase was a bargain; land was bought at around 3 cents per acre. The Louisiana Purchase also stimulated America's hunger for more land, which was a contributor to the war of 1812 and the further expansion of the United States.
The Embargo Act of 1807 was important because it was Jefferson's approach to keep the US out of war. He enforced peaceful measures before violent ones. The Embargo Act of 1807 was where Jefferson cut off all trade with England and France in response to English impressment of US ships. This, overall, hurt America's economy and was a bad decision, but was important because it enforced the policy of staying neutral and peaceful.
Evan van Aalst
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson's three most lasting achievments were the Louisiana Purchase, The Trade Embargo of 1807, and the conflict with the Barbary Pirates. Robert Livingston and James Monroe negotiated with Napolean in Paris for the tract of French land in the New world. They secured it for $15 million, about 3 cents an acre. The size of the United States nearly doubled overnight because of Jefferson's quick thinking in sending negotiators to France.
In 1807, Jefferson passed the Embargo Act. The idea behind it was that France and Britain didn't respect America as a country, but Jefferson thought they were completely dependant on American trade. The Embargo Act banned the exportation of any goods to any country. Unfortunatley, France and Britain were able to supplmenent their economies, while America's suffered. They was a great surplus of manufactured goods that no one would or could buy. Smuggling was commonplace. Citizens hated the act and i was subsequently repeled in 1809. Then trade was only banned with Britain and France.
Prates were attacking American merchant ships trying to trade in the Meditteranian. Jefferson was forced to fight when the leader of Tripoli informally declared war. Jefferson built a navy and sent it to war. After four years of fighting, a treaty was reached and $60,000 was paid to the pirates for the safe return of alll prisoners.
When Jefferson was elected president, it was directly after Washington and Adams, so he had a big pair of shoes to fill. Despite the situation, he handle himself very well and perservered through the trials.
Anna Geer
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson had a very rocky presidency. While some of his actions like the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition which bettered the country others, like the Embargo of 1807 were for the worse.
The Louisiana Purchase was a great and unconstitutional move that Jefferson made. It does not say in the constitution that the president can make treaties and purchase new land but that is exactly what Jefferson did. He bought the Louisiana territory for $15 million and prevented war with France and Spain. This move nearly doubled the size of the United Sates.
To figure out how big this land was, Jefferson sent out Louis and Clark to see how much land was west of the Mississippi and what the land was like. Louis and Clark hiked and used a boat all bought with tax payers money. They kept detailed accounts of their trip.
The Embargo of 1807 was not one of the things that Jefferson could be proud of. The embargo blocked trade with two of Americas biggest trade allies. While it did keep the United States out of war and increase industrialism it sent the economy spiraling downward.
Overall Jefferson was one of the better presidents, he doubled the size of our country with the Louisiana Purchase, left detailed maps of the west after Louis and Clarks expedition, but he also hurt the economy of the country by enacting the Embargo of 1807. Without his accomplishments we would not be the country we are today.
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ReplyDeleteJefferson was largely an effective president. His presidency was fraught with difficult issues, and some of those problems were handled poorly, but in general he was successful. Many of his decisions contradicted his earlier political stances. However, this may be considered positive, because it indicates that his decisions were influenced more by practical considerations than by political biases. Overall, the three most significant legacies of his presidency and administration were probably the Louisiana Purchase, the Marbury v. Madison case, and the preservation of neutrality and prevention of war.
ReplyDeleteThe Louisiana Purchase was likely the most dramatic legacy of Jefferson's presidency. The new territorial gains caused a major change in the boundaries of the country and the new holdings would play a major role in later pioneer expansion. The acquisition also set up a precedent of purchasing new land as opposed to gaining it by conquest. The acceptance of new states in these areas shaped America as a land of equally United States, not an empire ruling over vassal states. Jefferson's decision to purchase land, although the power to purchase land was not provided for in the Constitution, was important because it showed that Jefferson was willing to do what he felt was best, even if it meant contradicting an earlier stance. (He chose to act in a way he believed was unconstitutional, when he had earlier advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.)
Also highly significant was the Marbury v. Madison case, which secured for the Supreme Court the power to interpret the Constitution. This case dramatically affected the balance of power between branches and plays a vital role today in the workings of government. This landmark case was one of the most important happenings during Jefferson's presidency.
Also important was the Jeffersonian anti-war policy of neutrality. Jefferson was successful in staving off war with Britain and France, although his embargo was a pathetic failure. The embargo hurt New England merchants far more than either of the target nations. The embargo did, however, nurture industry, an unintended but lasting effect of Jeffersonian policy. Despite his failures, Jefferson did preserve neutrality. He prevented the infant nation from entering what might have been a costly war.
Jefferson's presidency left many legacies. The Louisiana Purchase, the Marbury v. Madison case, and the avoidance of war with Britain and France were important then and now. Some of Jefferson's policies did fail, and the president often contradicted his own ideals, but in general he made the right decisions for the right reasons, and the legacies of his administration were positive.
I feel that the Jefferson presidency was rough, as he was faced with some bad circumstances and hard decisions. I would say that his greatest legacies are the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expeditions, and the Embargo of 1807.
ReplyDeletePerhaps one of the most important things during Jefferson's presidency was the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase. It effectively doubled the size of the country overnight and the land cost only 3 cents per square mile. This stopped Napolean from getting the huge amount of land bordering the US, which would put the country at risk of attack in the French plan for the conquest of and empire the western world. It also caused a heightened interest in Western expansion.
After buying the massive Louisiana Purchase, which was largely unexplored. Jefferson contracted Lewis and Clark to explore and chart the new land. Lewis and Clark's detailed accounts of their expeditions provided new maps of the area as well as descriptions of new species of plants and animals.
One of the negative legacies of Jefferson's presidency was the Embargo of 1807. The decision was made to promote the American position of neutrality during the war between the nation's biggest trade partners, France and Britain. Jefferson made this decision following Britain's impressment of American soldiers and France's raiding of US ships. The goal of the embargo was to hurt France and Great Britain's economies, but ultimately it hurt our country's economies far worse than it affected theirs. With our two biggest trade partners out of the picture, many New England ports were closed down. There was no one to buy the manufactured goods as well as no one to buy the cash crops from the South. Many Americans were forced to turn to smuggling to get by. In the end, this Embargo caused a major decline in Jefferson's popularity.
-James O'Donnell
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Jefferson’s presidency was fraught with controversies, and throughout this time, he left many legacies. In my opinion, the most important of these legacies were the Barbary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Embargo Act of 1807.
ReplyDeleteThe Barbary War against the pirates of the North African Barbary States showed Jefferson’s position as a reluctant warrior. The pirates had a long history of blackmail and plunder, attacking American merchant ships that sailed into the Mediterranean. In 1801, the pasha of Tripoli became unsatisfied with the bribery money he was currently being paid by Americans and declared war on the United States. Although Jefferson was usually indisposed to fight, he sent America’s small navy to face the pirates. In 1805, after four years of fighting, Jefferson made a treaty with Tripoli, agreeing to pay $60,000 for the ransoms of captured Americans and for future peace. This event showed Jefferson’s preference for peace and his decision to go against what he normally advocated in favor of what he believed better for the country.
The Louisiana Purchase was another of Jefferson’s important legacies. In 1803, Jefferson sent two envoys to buy New Orleans and as much land east of it as possible for no more than $10 million. But instead, Napoleon offered them the entire gigantic tract of land of Louisiana for $15 million. Jefferson was heavily conflicted on this issue; he realized that it was a great deal, at about 3 cents an acre, but conceded that there was nothing in the Constitution allowing the purchase of land. Jefferson, admitting that it was unconstitutional, nevertheless sent the treaty to the Senate for approval, where it was quickly accepted. This showed that Jefferson changed his mind on the strict versus loose interpretation of the Constitution issue for this situation to acquire land for the United States, setting a precedent.
Jefferson enacted the Embargo Act late in 1807 in an attempt to put an end to the French-British war. This embargo prevented the export of all goods from the United States. Jefferson wanted to peacefully stop the war of the rivaling European powers by cutting off American trade to both of the countries; he believed that France and Britain relied on American supplies for the war, and without those supplies, the two countries would no longer seize American ships. However, he overestimated their reliance on America’s goods, and ended up hurting the United States’ own economy. Due to this damage and the negative public opinion, Congress repealed this act in 1809. Although much of the effects of the embargo were harmful, it caused a surge in industry, with Americans having to produce goods for money and necessity instead of trade for them. This again showed Jefferson’s desire of a peaceful country.
Thomas Jefferson was probably one of the smartest presidents that ever served and I think he was really burdoned by his job and he had to make some tough decisions that were not that popular. In my opinion his three most important legacies were the Louisiana Purchase, the writing of the decleration of independance and the Barbary war.
ReplyDeleteThe Louisiana purchase was the most important because Thomas Jefferson was responsible for doubling the size of the United States over night and not only that but he payed 15 million dollars for it which sounds like a lot during that time but it ended up being 3 cents per acre which is an incredible bargain and it was totally worth it and probably the best deal any one could get for that much land. Not only did he get all that land but he sent lewis and clark to map it and reach the pacific ocean and they discovered a lot and were able to map most of the land out.
Another thing he did was write the decleration of independance it is clearly one of the most important documents in american history and Thomas Jefferson was responsible for writing most of it. Although he was a hypocrite for saying that all men were created equally and he owned slaves it still was a very important document and it led to the revolutionary war which led to the independance of the United States.
His third greatest legacy was everything he did in the Barbary wars. First the pirates attacked us and started a whole war in which jefferson was forced to send the United states tiny navy to go and fight off the pirates attacking people in the mediterranean sea. After four years of fighting he finally decided to pay off the pirates 60,000 dollars for the return of hostages and further peace and this showed how he clearly would want peace over anything and he is responsible for stopping this war.
Thomas Jefferson was a good president; although given what he wrote for his gravestone, he thought that his greatest achievements were author of Declaration of Independence and father of the University of Virginia, not his presidency. The most important legacies from his two-term presidency from 1801-1809 were the promotion of ideas of Republicans, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the repeal of the Judiciary Act of 1801 which led to an important Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison that established judicial review, giving courts the power to declare statues unconstitutional.
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson promoted republican ideas in that he continued to favor states’ rights and a strictly limited federal government during his presidency. He also supported the separation of church and state. He cut excise tax on whiskey and reduced spending, mostly by downsizing the military. He believed that have a national debt was a danger to the country.
Like my classmates, I think the another important part of his legacy was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the U.S. purchased from Napoleon for $15 million, roughly 800,000 square miles for about 3 cents an acre. This purchase was important because it doubled the size of the nation by opening up new territories to the west, removed France from the western border, and enabled transportation of goods to Europe by way of New Orleans. The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806) happened after the purchase. There was some controversy for Jefferson to have signed the agreement before getting approval from Congress, especially since he was a strong supporter of the Constitution but, there was nothing in the Constitution that said that he couldn’t do it.
The third important event that happened during Jefferson’s terms was the establishment of judicial review. At the end of Adam’s term of presidency, he commissioned several circuit judges with the Judiciary Act of 1801. Jefferson repealed the Act. William Marbury had been commissioned by President John Adams as Justice of Peace. When he wasn’t delivered the commission after Jefferson was inaugurated, he sued President Jefferson’s Secretary of State, James Madison. In the case, of Marbury v. Madison, the Chief Justice Marshall agreed that Marbury was entitled to the commission but the statues which allowed Marbury remedy was unconstitutional. This decision granted Supreme Court power beyond what the Constitution permitted; it established judicial review giving courts the power to declare statues unconstitutional.
-Scott Shortino
Kiaya Robinson-
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson's three most lasting achieving moments in his presidency were the conflict with the Barbary pirates, The Louisiana Purchase, and The Embargo Act of 1807 because these three achievements helps maintain his shaky presidency even though he becomes a successful president later on.
Thomas Jefferson held his composture the North African State Tripoli declared war on the U.S. Even though Tomas Jefferson didn't like having a large, strong, standing military or navy he sends the navy. In the four year battle Jefferson was successful after it ends. The treaty of peace was signed in Tripoli, but it was only signed because Jefferson payed Tripoli for $60,000 for exchange of the safety for the prisoners.
The Louisiana Purchase was another important achievement that Thomas Jefferson made. The Louisiana Purchase was a deal between the French and the Americans. Thomas Jefferson sends James Monroe and Robert Livingston to bargain with Napoleoan for the land of New Orleans and Louisiana. Jefferson only wanted them to purchase the land for about $10 million, but instead they bargain the land for about $15 million. After the purchase Jefferson had a dilemma, since the Constitution said nothing about purchasing foreign land. With the Louisiana Purchase this helps doubles America's size.
And last with the Embargo Act of 1807, Jefferson believed that this act would of helped with the British and the French to stop seizing of American ships and also to shut down shipping, but this act backfires when he didn't realize that America relies on European's good. The Embargo Act forbide the export of all goods from the United States to any foreign nation, regardless of whether they were transported in American or foreign ships. This hurts America's economy. The Congress repeals this act in 1809. Even though this act didn't work Jefferson makes it up by promoting a strong navy for America.
Though he was only the third person elected to the office of President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson’s tenure began in an unconventional fashion. Even though Jefferson won the election of 1800, the race was officially called a tie due to a technicality. According to the Constitution the winner would be chosen in the House of Representatives, which was dominated by the Federalists. Jefferson, being part of the opposing Republican party, was not viewed favorably by the House. However, Federalist leaders were worried about public outcry if Jefferson was not granted the presidency; Federalist step down from office in 1800. In this way, Jefferson’s reign as president began in a unique way. Unconventionality continued to define Jefferson’s presidency, especially through his successful Louisiana Purchase, his failed trade embargos, and his decision to decrease the size of the United States army.
ReplyDeleteIn 1803, Jefferson sent James Monroe to join Robert R. Livingston to buy New Orleans and as much land as they could West of the Mississippi River for ten million. Napoleon was in need of money because his war in Britain left France financially unstable Napoleon then offered all the land he currently owned in exchange for fifteen million dollars from Monroe and the United States of America. In an unprecedented move, the Constitution had no explicit mention of a way to purchase foreign land, Jefferson went through with the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States.
Due to his reluctance to go to war, Jefferson dealt with foreign desputes by creating trade embargos against other countries. Jefferson believed that Britain and France depended on American goods, but the truth of the matter was that America was much more depended on resources from Britain and France. The Embargo Act of late 1807 forbid America to trade with any foreign country, no matter if they were brought in American or foreign ships. His embargos were not effective and led to more international smuggling. The longer that Jefferson’s embargo was allowed to go on, the more power the opposing Federalist party gained.
Jefferson did not like the thought of a standing army due to his idea of the army turning on their country and disobeying orders from the President. Jefferson then reduced standing militia to 2500 men and the navies were reduced during times of peace. The only increase that Jefferson supported was after the Tripoli war where he discovered small ineffective boats and decided to build about 200 of them. These boats were fast but very ineffective against large battleships that the British navy used often. Jefferson spent 60,000 on a treaty with Tripoli in 1865, when initially he could have used that money to win the war in the beginning instead of taking four years. Jefferson's unprecedented policies regarding war contributed to the negative aspects of his presidency.
Jefferson's unprecedented policies regarding war contributed to the negative aspects of his presidency His Louisiana Purchase was the defining point in his presidency, creating many new opportunities for the country His trade embargos and decisions to reduce militia size were questionable, but still contributed to his distinctive legacy as president. Overall Jefferson made some huge decisions that shaped America for the better, even though some of his foreign policies were not the best he still drove America to a success future.
Michael Khoury
Thomas Jefferson was a good president and the three most important legacies, in my opinion, were the Louisiana Purchase, author of Declaration of Independence, and the Tripolitan War.
ReplyDeleteThe Louisiana Purchase was important because it allowed us to freely navigate the Mississippi River and its benefits to the nation were that it doubled the size of the United States which allowed us to further expand our settlement and create new states.
The Declaration was important because it declared the colonies of North America free from British control and it led to the formation of the federal government. As being the author of the Declaration of Independence he must have gained a lot of popularity towards the decisions made from his document.
Finally, the Tripolitan War was important because Thomas Jefferson chose peace instead of continuing the fighting that lasted two years. He payed $60,000 in order to release American hostages from the pirates. Even though he went against his beliefs of going at war, he still made the right choice in ending the fight and continue to live in peace.
-Raul Galvan
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