LAD/Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural

First and foremost, Jefferson elaborated on how he planned on leading with the people instead of leading the people.  He knew that he could not achieve all of the greatness he had hoped just by acting himself.  Jefferson told the people that he would look to them for "encouragement" and "guidance" during his term as president.  Also, Jefferson believed that his people could truly unite together under their freedoms and rights, which would make the nation stronger as a whole.  He planned on working hard not just in politics but also in the social aspect of his country.  Jefferson explained how he would try his best to accept anyone (no matter their beliefs) and how he willed for his people to do the same.  "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."  "Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle."  Jefferson believed that uniting would make his nation stronger, and make his government successful despite the differences in political parties.  Additionally, Jefferson believed in equal rights for all men, and making friendships but not alliances with foreign nations.  He planned on establishing his term with freedoms of speech, religion, and traits of liberty and peace.  Overall, Jefferson's inaugural address was filled with his beliefs and goals as president, to make his country flourish.

Washington and Jefferson's inaugural addresses were fairly similar, and also are connected in a way.  Both, obviously, were inaugural addresses where each man took an oath and promised to do what was best for the country.  Washington's address warned the country about factions, and he advised the country to stay strong and not let these potential political differences weaken the country and the government.  Ironically, Jefferson's address is important because this was the first election were factions and political differences were present.  The gap between Federalists and Republicans was growing wider and wider, and in his address, Jefferson explained how he believed (similarly to Washington) that it was best for the nation to put aside their differences and work together in order to be successful.