Thomas Jefferson was one of the most impactful presidents in our nation’s history. In this paper, I will evaluate his presidency by selecting examples of his foreign and domestic affairs policies to examine. A good way to view Jefferson’s presidency is to examine his methods used in foreign affairs. An example of his vision for a strong, unified nation would be his approach to the problems produced by the Barbary pirates, who plagued American ships of the Northern coast of Africa. Instead of caving and paying the bribes the pirates expected, Jefferson sent warships into the Mediterranean, blockaded the nation of Tripoli, and tried to support a palace coup. These events would later be known as the Tripolitan War. In subjugating the Barbary pirates and asserting the U.S. Navy’s dominance, Jefferson sent a very distinct message to the world. Clearly, the United States was now approaching a position of power in the world, was not afraid to prove that they could assert themselves, and could put up a good fight when needed. In viewing the Jefferson’s policy on foreign affairs, his efforts to establish a “...wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another” is quite evident. In enacting the Embargo Act of 1807, Thomas Jefferson instituted a ban on all American exports to Britain…show more content… Later, however, the Embargo Act benefited Americans in the long-term. Without exports, Americans turned towards their own countrymen for trading of goods and services, inducing local commerce; the basis for our country’s economic climate and relative success today. Though Jefferson did not live to see the effects of the Embargo Act, we have him to thank for the cultivation of American
