1) Break free of a dependence on Europe, 2) clear the Great Lakes of British troops and 3) protect American interests on the high seas. What’s the common factor in all of these objectives? Is it defensive or offensive? Does the US have similar goals in 2009?
JEFFERSONIAN PRINCIPLES (276) Your text states that one of Jefferson’s goals was peace. Let’s think about this for a minute. First, I believe that. Jefferson realized his geopolitical position and he also was a man of principles. Second, Jefferson wanted to protect and promote American interests. This deserves some thought. What tools and what methods will a US president use to achieve that end? Is it acceptable to use force to promote trade? Is it acceptable to protect American interests at the cost of something else, like slavery? These are questions that all presidents face, and the same was true of Jefferson. Do you believe that Jefferson should have done more to protect US interests against England and France?
STRUGGLING FOR NEUTRAL RIGHTS (276) So what did Jefferson do? He and Congress ushered the Non-Importation Act through and then there was the Chesapeake Affair. Then the Embargo Act. Was being neutral worth the loss? Was a war worth the risk?
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