Jefferson example essay topic

When Thomas Jefferson took his oath of office in 1801 and was sworn in as the President of the United States, he was ill-prepared for the reality of his new position and his years as president were not easily spent. He quickly realized that his pen-and-paper theories were not so easily implemented into the real world of politics, and he was forced to live two lives, the scholarly philosopher and the badgered, self-denying President. However, Jefferson, by no means, allowed his chance to shape America go to waste. With his eight years in office, Jefferson encouraged the American economy, fought to protect America's rights as a country, and extended our nation's boundaries past the Mississippi River, making him one of the most memorable presidents of the United States' history. Perhaps one of the greatest things Jefferson did in office was actually a matter of what he didn't do. When he took office in 1801 the Hamiltonian framework was still in effect and had been almost untouched during President Adam's previous term.

Jefferson left this framework almost untouched during his terms as well, allowing this system to continue to flourish. As an unforeseen effect of Jefferson decision, it showed that the defeated party did not have to worry that the winning party would completely ruin the laws and policies that they had established in their time of power, therefore setting the stage for the two-party system. For years, the United States had been forced into paying blackmail money to the Barbary Pirates of the Ivory Coast. The price of peace soon began to grow more than that of war and in 1801, the ruler of Tivoli declared an unofficial war on the U.S. In response, Jefferson sent the humbly small navy to defend America. After four years of small skirmishes, Jefferson was able to make a treaty with the pasha of Tripoli, settling the dispute with $60,000. Another one of Jefferson's most significant achievements as president was the Louisiana Purchase.

After Napoleon Bonaparte forced Spain to give up its trans-Mississippian territory to him, America found itself in a precarious situation. American pioneers relied heavily on the Mississippi river to transport their goods to the mouth, in the Gulf of Mexico, where sea vessels would transport them to the various markets. If this area remained in Frances power it would eventually lead to a bloody war to dislodge Napoleon from power. However, after failing to conquer Santa Domingo Napoleon decided to be done with the America's for now and offered to sell all of his claim for $15 million. Jefferson, caught in a conscience battle over the constitutionality of the purchase, eventually caved in for the good of the country and bought the land. Jefferson's presidency was a legacy matched by few other presidents.

His efforts to further establish the freedom of this country and extend it to its full potential have led our country to much of its current greatness. His legacy is and will continue to be a standard that many presidents aspire to..