Thomas Jefferson Dbq Analysis

Politics in the United States have always been strange—the opposite but peaceful opinions can seem odd, especially during the time of the country’s founding. Back then, when there were radically different opinions, there was often bloodshed during the switching of power. However, in the US election of 1800, this was not the case. Thomas Jefferson, the Republican candidate who won the election, was the first president to experience this shift in power. Jefferson promised many things at the beginning or his presidency, but he didn’t necessarily follow through. Thomas Jefferson contradicted many of his Republican philosophies and ideals through the policies he followed as president. A common ideal of the Jeffersonian Republicans was a narrow

On his timeline, it lists, “1807—U.S.S. Chesapeake affair, Embargo Act is passed by Congress” (Doc H). The Chesapeake affair was the attack on this vessel, which resulted in the Embargo Act. During Jefferson’s seventh annual message to Congress, he explained this action: “…I immediately, by proclamation, interdicted our harbors and waters to all British armed vessels, forbade intercourse with them…” (Doc F). In layman’s terms, trade with the British was closed off by a government ruling. This is considered by many Americans later on as an outrage and a robbing of their commercial rights. In a political cartoon of the time, it says, “Oh! This cursed Ograbme” (Doc D), which was describing the Embargo in place. This shows the dislike that US citizens held for this act. Not only did this anger the population, but it also violated ideals stated by Jefferson. In his inaugural address when talking about government principals, he says, “…peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations” (Doc A). The Embargo Act clearly contradicts this belief, as it prevents trade with another nation. The passing of this act radically differs from Jefferson’s Republican ideals and inevitably caused his absence from the next presidential