Blog #10

Blog #10:

In Jefferson's first Inaugural Address, Jefferson opens by talking to "Friends and Fellow Citizens." Jefferson is humble and responsible as he is about to take on the role of president and he will abide by the Constitution and protect the rights of citizens. Jefferson's first Inaugural Address demonstrates Jefferson's view on political parties. Jefferson's election had been focused on the rivalry between the Federalists (John Adams) and the Republicans (Jefferson). Nevertheless, Jefferson goes onto say in his address that "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," which connects his speech to a much larger audience. Although they were opposing parties and have their reserves and concerns about each other, Jefferson hopes they can "pursue [their] own Federal and Republican principles." Jefferson's Inaugural address also ensures the rights of the people. He safeguards justice, freedom of religion and press, civil over military authority, peace and safety, agriculture and commerce, and the right to election. His believes Americans should unite under "one heart and one mind" and therefore protects the rights of the people to the best of his ability.  By doing so, Jefferson hopes to cement the road to peace, liberty and safety. However,  he ends his speech by saying he will make mistakes and asks for forgiveness.
Jefferson's first Inaugural Address is similar to Lincoln's second Inaugural Address. During Lincoln's, the country was in the middle of a civil war, yet, while Lincoln mentioned the wrongs of slavery, he did not criticize the South. Instead, he said "He gives to both North and South this terrible war," meaning both sides were in the wrong and therefore hoped for efforts of Reconstruction. This relates to how Jefferson, although he had just come out of a close race with the Federalists, did not bash them or their beliefs but hoped they would unite under support for America.

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