Thomas Jefferson's Influence On America
opinion Essay
1070 words
Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson has been viewed to be a positive influence on old Jeffersonian America, as well as a negative one as he expanded and reshaped the country with instances like the Louisiana purchase. His efforts are viewed negatively by some, and very admirably by others but personally, I find that his attempts and reasons for things were hypocritical. He did things contradictory to what he said he wanted for the country. His presidency was successful but Thomas Jefferson was a hypocrite. When Jefferson came into presidency, his ideals were to expand upon the idea of an agrarian nation, since agriculture and slavery were the leading factors for our country's economical strength at the time. The Lousiana territory held onto by the French was eyed by the Americans as it had many appealing factors to it. It included the Mississippi river which was a great means of navigation for the Americans. Open and free access to the river would have been the ideal thing to have at the time. The Louisiana territory was thick with growth in sugar and flour because of the temperatures and climate of the area. It was only natural for Jefferson to see this area as something that needed to be implemented into the United States. After just cutting the national debt down by nearly half, Jefferson made the move to spend fifteen million dollars to buy the Louisiana territory. Was this purchase the wisest? Was it going against his original ideas? Yes. This purchase greatly helped in America's expansion but totally went against his plan to keep a strong America. Fifteen million dollars, which is a huge chunk of change then, even now, was put towards this new land. If Jefferson wanted a strong nation why didn't he just keep the money and expand on our new found nation and strengthen it for what it was already? Overall, the Louisiana purchase was an accomplishment for Jefferson as we came to have land that made our nation even more powerful and expanding.. Thomas Jefferson had great curiosity after the Louisiana purchase was made. He wondered about what lied past the Mississippi, as he ignorantly guaranteed there to be wooly mammoths, mounds of salt, and volcanoes of great heights. In response to his peaking curiosity, instead of going past the river himself as President of the United States to investigate his purchase and "add-on" to America, he sent two men by the names of Meriwether Lewis and Clark with followers behind them to do the investigations for him.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that thomas jefferson was viewed as a positive influence on old jeffersonian america, as well as an admirable one, but his attempts and reasons for things were hypocritical.
- Explains that jefferson's ideals were to expand upon the idea of an agrarian nation, since agriculture and slavery were the leading factors for our country’s economic strength at the time.
- Opines that jefferson was a hypocrite for not taking on the journey himself, nor ever traveling west in his lifetime.
- Opines that jefferson's presidency was hypocritical and idiotic. he cut the national debt by cutting the military down to nearly half the size it was, but established military schools to train and arrange soldiers instead of sturdily building them.
- Explains that thomas jefferson spoke out against slavery as he tried to free slaves. he passed laws that would stop slavery occurring in most parts of the nation at the time.
- Analyzes how jefferson, the "man," held deep love for the smaller subtler things in life. he had a deep appreciation and connection to his home on top of monticello.
- Opines that jefferson was a hypocrite and devious in his means of presidency apart from his personality and character traits. his presidency goals and aims were not clearly spoken of to the americans of the time.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- argumentative
- How the Louisana Purchase Was Aganist the Constitutionanalytical essayJefferson in many ways goes against his principals in the purchase of Louisiana. He uses implied powers, something that did not fit in his concept of a strict interpretation of the Constitution, but he also went against his ideas of government spending and how the U.S. should deal with debt. While the purchase was important, the way he went about doing it was unconstitutional according to his strict views and he ended up contradicting himself in many ways.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jefferson's actions during the louisiana purchase violated his avowed constitutional principle and went against his principal of low government spending.
- Analyzes how jefferson believed in a strict interpretation of the constitution. he used implied constitutional powers to purchase louisiana because he felt it was for the people's good.
- Analyzes how jefferson used implied powers to justify the purchase of louisiana. the constitution isn't clear about the acquisition of new lands to buy louisiana, which goes against his strict view of the constitution.
- Analyzes how jefferson violated his constitutional principles by spending as little money as possible to keep the national debt low. the louisiana purchase shows how he goes against his principals.
648 wordsRead More - What Are Thomas Jefferson Contributions To Americaexplanatory essayAbraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were Americas first presidents and are easily considered to be among the most recognized and influential. They contributed much needed leadership, functionality, and a voice for the citizens. Yet, one president stands out to be the strongest of them all, and that was Thomas Jefferson. There is no doubt that without Jefferson, our country would not have been able to develop as effieciently as it did. For his ideas put into the Declaration of Independance, expansion of America, and his many other contributions for the people like education.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that abraham lincoln, george washington, and thomas jefferson were america's first presidents and contributed much needed leadership, functionality and a voice for the citizens.
- Explains that jefferson contributed to the "beliefs and the values of the american system and government" in 1776. he knew that the people had to be taken into account.
- Explains that thomas jefferson served as the third president during the years 1801-1809 (table). his contributions to america are written in a list, there is no doubt he was strong.
- Explains that jefferson had a thirst for knowledge that was virtually unquenchable. he contributed to the freedom of religion without being under the rule of the government.
- Opines that jeffersons list of accomplishments is worthy to study and admire among everyone. jefferson's freedom, structure, expansion of america, and push for education helped shape america to be the wonderful country it is today.
467 wordsRead More - reasearch paperexplanatory essayAfter Thomas Jefferson purchased the state of Louisiana from France in 1803, Jefferson wanted to have an expedition to make the purchase official, as well to find a quicker route to the Pacific Ocean. He organized an expedition by borrowing 2,500 dollar from Congress to record and verify the newly purchased land and rivers.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the expedition of lewis and clark is one of the most important legacies from a young, and fast growing u.s nation.
- Explains how jefferson organized an expedition to make the louisiana purchase official, and to find a quicker route to the pacific ocean. he borrowed 2,500 dollars from congress to record and verify the newly purchased land and rivers.
- Explains that lewis selected his personal secretary meriwether lewis, due to his many services to the president and love for the nation, to lead the expedition.
- Explains that lewis encountered danger while recording important data. he wandered through mountains, and valleys with his dog as his only companion.
- Explains that lewis and clark discovered over 300 species unknown to science, 50 indian tribes, and many beautiful geographic lands. they clarified earlier myths of the missouri, such as the possibility of crossing the river in one day.
- Explains that although lewis and clark did not find a direct water pathway to the pacific ocean through out the expedition, the important information recorded provided vast knowledge of the many terrains, wildlife and tribes located on the west.
- Explains that the expedition was an important part of the u.s. history due to the many aspects needed for its success. it took cooperation and courage to discover the unknown.
595 wordsRead More - Thomas Jeffersonexplanatory essayThomas Jefferson came into presidency with the intentions of limiting the size and power of the central government. His success and failures in accomplishing this goal were many. Thomas Jefferson was America’s third president in reign from 1801 – 1809, once tying in the presidential race with Aaron Burr, where the decision was made by the House of Representatives to choose Jefferson whom they thought was less dangerous than Burr.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson came into presidency with the intentions of limiting the size and power of the central government. his success and failures in accomplishing this goal were many.
- Explains that president jefferson's inauguration was probably the start of the changes in government.
- Analyzes how jefferson's accomplishments were seen by the ability to simplify the republican government in the new capital by cutting back unnecessary branches and less useful positions while replacing federalists with republicans.
- Explains that president jefferson worked diligently with congress to change the alien acts to have a more relaxed naturalization for only requiring five years of residency achieve united states citizenship, instead of the previous fourteen years.
- Explains that jefferson's beliefs in local self-government created differences between himself and alexander hamilton, which created the federalists and the democrat republican’s. jefferson was instrumental in the louisiana purchase.
- Explains that president jefferson was forced to yield on certain acts that he had implemented. this was brought on by rebellious attitudes of the people during the attacks on neutral shipping by britain and france.
- Explains that president jefferson was able to lift restrictions on american commerce and improve relations between america and france. jefferson's vision plan was constantly under scrutiny due to the progressiveness of industrial wealth.
- Explains that president jefferson was instrumental in directing the nation for the future. he authored the declaration of independence, announcing that all states were now free and independent states having full power and control.
- Explains that president jefferson achieved the improvement of agriculture methods so american’s could grow and trade their agricultural products. few men have left such a great impression in their time or ages as thomas jefferson did.
738 wordsRead More - Louisiana Purchaseexplanatory essayAs you can see, the Louisiana Purchase played some very pivotal roles in the evolution of the United States. I believe strongly, as do many historians, that there is several direct links to the Louisiana Purchase in regards to extremely important aspects of American history and evolution of the country. Some of these links include the expeditions of Louis and Clark, increase in the countries resources, a more economically stable country, African American relationships, and slavery. The Louisiana Purchase had such a major impact on America, that if the acquisition had never occurred, it would be near impossible to speculate what American culture, society, and life would be like today.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the corps of discovery provided the u.s. with extensive knowledge of the american west in the form of maps of major rivers and mountain ranges.
- Explains that the louis and clark expeditions westward resulted in the discovery of multiple species, and an abundance of untapped natural resources, which had a positive effect on america.
- Explains that the louisiana purchase was the most influential and important land purchases in american history. the expeditions of louis and clark on the newly acquired westward territory increased in trade and resulted in a richer, more economically stable country.
- Describes how lewis and clark embarked on a historic journey that would be remembered for centuries to come.
- Explains that the louisiana purchase brought millions of acres of fertile land into the control of the u.s. government.
1262 wordsRead More - The Louisiana Purchaseexplanatory essayThe Constitution did not authorize the acquisition of land, but it did provide for the making of treaties, so that Jefferson felt the acquisition of new territory was constitutional, with an amendment. He had mixed feelings about this issue and warned that American liberty would be threatened if the Constitution was distorted (LeFeber 181). He was not willing to loose the opportunity to expand the United States. The purchase of Louisiana from France had long been a favorite project with Mr. Jefferson. He viewed it as essential to removing from the United States a source of continual conflicts with the European possessors of ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the louisiana purchase was the largest land transaction for the united states, and the most important event of president jefferson's presidency.
- Explains that jefferson felt the acquisition of new territory was constitutional, with an amendment, and warned that american liberty would be threatened if the constitution was distorted.
- Explains that the louisiana region was ceded to the united states for $11,250,000 dollars. the american negotiators urged the claims of american merchants on the french government for $3,750,00.
- Explains that jefferson requested that congress convene at the earliest day practicable for its ratification and execution. the transfer to the american government took place on december 20, 1803.
- Explains that the purchase of louisiana territory came about because of concern to secure free navigation of the mississippi river. the treaty that livingston and monroe sent home aroused constitutional worries.
- Explains that jefferson acted without hesitation and left the matter to the people to decide. the louisiana purchase was by far the greatest achievement of his presidency.
- Explains that jefferson's scruples about the constitutionality of the purchase were overcome by his fears that napoleon might change his mind. the louisiana purchase doubled the national domain, increasing it c.828,000 sq.
817 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson's Presidencyexplanatory essayThomas Jefferson was the third American President. Due to the fact that he was such an early President, he influenced our political system greatly, both in the short and long term with his seemingly quiet approach to congressional matters. During his presidency, many things happened that changed the United States as we know it. He coordinated the Louisiana Purchase, assisted in implementing the twelfth amendment, formed the character of the modern American President, and cut the U.S.’s war debt by a third.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that jefferson was opposed to loose interpretation of the constitution and judicial expansion under marshal, but he did discard his strict principles when it became necessary.
- Narrates how napoleon bonaparte's advisors advised him to sell the entire territory, claiming it was of no use to them due to the loss of saint dominigue. jefferson and his cabinet pondered if the purchase was constitutional.
- Explains that thomas jefferson never supported slavery in his life, though he advocated gradual emancipation through a democratic process. he believed that blacks and whites could not coexist.
- Opines that the united states would not be the east coast states bordered by france, britain, or spain if it weren't for thomas jefferson.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was the third american president. he influenced our political system greatly, both in the short and long term with his seemingly quiet approach to congressional matters.
- Describes thomas jefferson's message to the united states senate and house of january 16, 1804.
- Explains the miller center's american president: thomas jefferson. summers, robert s. "presidents of the united states (potus).
1137 wordsRead More - A Comparison Of The Lewis And Clark Expeditionexplanatory essayBack in the 1800 there was much talk about the land that lies behind the Appalachians. Mountains. As New Orleans,a big trading city in Louisiana territory, was closed off by the Spanish, this angered the Americans very much which almost led to a war. To avoid this drastic measures Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans from France. The American got a surprising offer back saying if they wanted to buy the whole Louisiana Territory, which at the time was bigger the whole United States. As this was a great offer by Napoleon, Jefferson was skeptical to take it as it never says anything about a president's right to buy land in the constitution but he also believed that this country’s farmers need land, so he took the offer for fifteen million dollars. This purchase was known as the Louisiana Purchase.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the lewis and clark expedition and the expansion of america. jefferson offered to buy new orleans from france to avoid a war.
- Explains that jefferson was eager to explore the land that had just been purchased. he hired a young officer, captain meriwether lewis, and his old friends lieutenant william clark to help him select and look over the corps of discovery.
- Explains that lewis, clark, and the corps started their journey to st. louis in 1803, as the city was located on the mid-western part of the mississippi river.
- Explains that lewis, clark, and the corps started their journey from st. louis in may of 1804 in hope of finding a water route across the continent.
- Describes how the explorers set up for the winter and built forts on the mandan land. they exchanged products and ideas with the indians, but by spring they had left to explore more of the country.
- Explains that the group had obstacles in their way when they reached the great falls of missouri. it took them 2 weeks to finally pass the area.
- Describes how sacagawea, lewis, and a small group found the shoshone people and their leader. the leader traded horses and helped the group cross the rocky mountains.
- Describes how the group reached the pacific ocean and spent a very wet winter there before going back to st. louis.
- Explains that the trip was about meeting indian tribes and finding their way to the pacific ocean, but it was also about looking at new finds of west such as plants and animals.
- Opines that the expedition was a success and that lewis, clark, and many others helped expand the information of the west and build our great country.
1060 wordsRead More - Territorial Expansion 1800-1850explanatory essayThe Louisiana Purchase was the most important event of President Thomas Jefferson's first Administration. In this transaction, the United States bought 827,987 square miles of land from France for about $15 million. This vast area lay between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian Border. The purchase of this land greatly increased the economic resources of the United States, and cemented the union of the Middle West and the East. Eventually all or parts of 15 states were formed out of the region. When Jefferson became president in March 1801, the Mississippi River formed the western boundary of the United States. The Florida's lay the south, and the Louisiana Territory to the west. Spain owned both these territories.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the book helped them find information about the louisiana purchase and all people and things involved in it.
- Explains that this website helped them with the louisiana purchase and oregon territory.
- Explains that this website helped them find information about the mexican war and the aftermath of it.
- Explains that the textbook helped them with research on the louisiana purchase, the mexican war, and the oregon territory.
- Explains that a long history of dispute characterized the ownership of the oregon territory, which included present-day oregon, washington, idaho and portions of montana, wyoming, and british columbia.
- Explains that the louisiana purchase, the purchase of oregon territory, and the mexican war were major impacts on national unity.
- Explains that the treaty of washington was signed between britain and the united states in june 1846. the purchase of the oregon territory allowed migration to the west in increasing numbers.
1092 wordsRead More - Impact of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expeditionargumentative essayThe Louisiana Purchase came as a surprise that neither Thomas Jefferson nor anyone else had ever dreamed of. It began with Thomas Jefferson sending two men, James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston, to Paris to negotiate the acquisition of New Orleans with the government of the feared Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon had roused fears once France acquired Louisiana from the Spanish. Concerned with French intentions, Thomas Jefferson took immediate action and sent his two men to negotiate. The negotiation didn’t go as intended at all. We asked to buy New Orleans, but Napoleon offered the entire Louisiana Territory. Apparently, Napoleon had little use for Louisiana. He also couldn’t spare any troops to defend the enormous amount of territory. Napoleon needed funds more than anything, so he could support his military ventures in Europe. This led to the exhilarating time of April, 1803 when Napoleon offered to sell Louisiana to the United States.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how the 1803 purchase of new orleans and the lewis and clark expedition changed our nation forever.
- Explains that the louisiana purchase came as a surprise that neither thomas jefferson nor anyone else had ever dreamed of.
- Explains that jefferson dispatched james monroe and robert r. livingston to negotiate because they were concerned about french intentions. monroe was empowered to obtain new orleans and west florida for between two and ten million dollars.
- Analyzes how thomas jefferson had mixed emotions about the louisiana purchase. he knew it would be a grand opportunity and be considered one of the largest land transactions in history.
- Explains that thomas jefferson initiated an exploration of the newly purchased land and territory beyond the rocky mountains in the west after the louisiana purchase treaty was made.
- Describes how the expedition embarked on may 14, 1804. they hired toussaint charbonneau, a french canadian fur trapper, as an interpreter, and sacagawea, who accompanied them on the journey.
- Explains that lewis and clark continued to trade goods with the indians and establish diplomatic relations. they documented, or drew, the creatures of the western world that were new to white men.
- Concludes that the boldness and risks of a few very notorious americans impacted our nation immensely. thomas jefferson was responsible for the louisiana purchase treaty, which doubled the physical size of the united states.
1206 wordsRead More