Analysis Of Jefferson's Inaugural Address

Jefferson’s Inaugural Address as a Neo-Aristotelian Criticism

Modern, American political culture continues to be defined by partisan politics. Themes of gridlock, the inability to compromise, and violently competing differences in opinion define the narrative of American political action and governance. On March 4, 1801 Thomas Jefferson delivered an inaugural address that pivoted around new partisan politics that defined the election of 1800. The election of 1800, between Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Aaron Burr, was the first partisan election of the newly formed federal government. The political environment of the 1790s defined the context of Jefferson’s Inaugural Address and created a lasting theme of partisan politics in America. Through an analysis of Neo-Aristotelian criticism a deeper understanding will be gained on the cause, accomplishments, and the lasting impacts of Jefferson’s Inaugural Address.

Neo-Aristotelian criticism states, that in order to understand rhetoric we must first understand the motivations that caused the speaker to speak. The rise of partisan politics, narrowed the focus of Jefferson’s Inaugural Address. Therefore, to understand his motives, we must first understand the

Jefferson successfully reestablished unity and outlined a bipartisan agenda for government, while in the process inspiring Americans to reach a greater ideal and standard for themselves. Jefferson’s Inaugural Address continues to be a leading theme in political ideology and is cited as the, “greatest political speech of his career.” His rhetoric effectively re-established unity. Jefferson, “beautifully crafted it to claim the middle ground after the bitter, divisive campaign.” To his avid supporters the speech was glorified and to his opponents, it was seen as a welcome concession to the Federalist