For each event in Jefferson’s presidency, determine if he stuck to his own Jeffersonian principles and why/why not. Then, assign him a grade (A-F or numerical) in his overall actions, taking into account context, motive, significance, outcome, etc.
The Barbary “Pirates”
When Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated in March of 1801, he inherited troubled relations with the Barbary states — the Ottoman Regencies of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, along with independent Morocco. These Barbary states on the northern coast of Africa negotiated treaties with European countries, promising peace in exchange for tribute payments. Merchants vessels without such treaties risked attack by Barbary corsairs (often incorrectly called pirates).
Between 1785 and 1796, pirates captured thirteen American ships and held more than 100 sailors as “slaves,” paralyzing American trade with the Mediterranean. The federal government under Washington and Adams paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom and agreed to annual tribute payments for peace. Jefferson, however, had a different view on how to address the problem:
“Would it not be better to offer them an equal treaty. If they refuse, why not go to war with them...Our trade to Portugal, Spain, and the Mediterranean is annihilated unless we do something decisive. Tribute or war is the usual alternative of these pirates. If we yield the former, it will require sums [of money] from our citizens. Why not begin a navy then and decide on war?’
To Jefferson, part of American prosperity meant free trade, and free trade required “a protecting force on the sea.” Jefferson might have opposed a large military, but he recognized the economic importance of a navy or merchant marine. “Some naval force then is necessary if we mean to be commercial.”
In 1801, Jefferson refused demands for increased payments and sent a naval squadron to protect American ships in the Mediterranean. The pasha (king) of Tripoli declared war on the United States, at which point Jefferson sent more naval ships without informing Congress, arguing that the president did not need approval to fight back. The naval conflict lasted until 1804, when an American squadron won a victory at Tripoli harbor (a victory commemorated in the official hymn of the Marine Corps, which mentions fighting on “the shores of Tripoli”). Facing a mounting national debt he had intended to tackle, Jefferson finally decided to go to the negotiating table, signing a new treaty and agreeing to pay a $60,000 ransom for American captives.
The conclusion of the war in 1805 set off a wave of national pride among Americans, inspiring artwork and patriotic songs. But the circumstances under which peace was achieved gave President Jefferson's political opponents ammunition to criticize his decisions.
In this event, Thomas Jefferson generally stuck to his own Jeffersonian principles. He believed in free trade and recognized the importance of a navy to protect American trade. His decision to send a naval squadron to the Mediterranean to protect American ships and fight back against the Barbary states aligns with his principles.
However, Jefferson's decision to send more naval ships without informing Congress can be seen as a departure from his principle of limited executive power. This can be seen as a violation of the Constitution, which gives Congress the power to declare war. Additionally, his decision to eventually go to the negotiating table and agree to pay a ransom can be seen as a compromise rather than a decisive action.
Overall Grade: B
Event: The Barbary "Pirates"
Jeffersonian Principles:
1. Sticking to equal treaties instead of tribute payments
2. Recognizing the economic importance of a navy or merchant marine
Evaluation:
In this event, Thomas Jefferson mostly stuck to his own Jeffersonian principles. He believed in offering the Barbary states an equal treaty instead of paying tribute, which aligned with his view of promoting free trade. He recognized the economic importance of having a protecting force on the sea, emphasizing the need for a navy or merchant marine.
However, there were some deviations from his principles. Jefferson initially sent a naval squadron without informing Congress, arguing that the president did not need approval to fight back. This can be seen as a departure from his belief in limited executive power. Additionally, when facing a mounting national debt, he eventually decided to go to the negotiating table and pay a $60,000 ransom for American captives, which contradicted his initial stance on not paying tribute.
Overall Grade: B
While Jefferson showed a commitment to his principles regarding equal treaties and the importance of a protecting force on the sea, his deviation from his limited executive power belief and his eventual payment of tribute affected his overall grade. The circumstances under which peace was achieved also gave his political opponents ammunition to criticize his decisions.
To determine if Thomas Jefferson stuck to his own Jeffersonian principles during the Barbary "Pirates" event, we need to analyze his actions and compare them to his stated principles.
Jeffersonian principles emphasized a limited federal government, strict interpretation of the Constitution, and an emphasis on individual liberties and rights. Let's examine Jefferson's actions in the context of these principles:
1. Jefferson's view on offering an equal treaty: By proposing an equal treaty to the Barbary states, Jefferson was promoting the principles of fairness and equality in diplomatic relations. This aligns with his belief in diplomacy and negotiation as a means to resolve conflicts peacefully.
2. Jefferson's refusal to pay increased tribute: By refusing to pay increased tribute demands, Jefferson demonstrated his opposition to the idea of appeasement and standing up against extortion. This aligns with the principle of standing firm on American sovereignty and not succumbing to unjust demands.
3. Sending a naval squadron to protect American ships: Jefferson's decision to send a naval squadron to protect American ships in the Mediterranean aligns with his recognition of the economic importance of a navy or merchant marine. While Jefferson generally favored a smaller military, he understood the need for a protecting force to ensure free trade and safeguard American interests.
4. Sending more naval ships without informing Congress: Jefferson argued that the president did not need approval to defend against aggression. This can be seen as a departure from strict interpretation of the Constitution, as Congress holds the power to declare war. However, Jefferson's actions can be interpreted as a response to immediate danger and the urgent need to protect American interests.
5. Deciding to negotiate after victory at Tripoli harbor: Jefferson's decision to go to the negotiating table and pay a ransom for American captives can be seen as a pragmatic approach to achieving peace and protecting American lives. It aligns with his belief in diplomacy and avoiding protracted conflicts that could further strain the nation's resources and risk lives.
Taking into account the context, motive, significance, and outcome of Jefferson's actions, we can assign a grade to his overall actions during this event. While there may be some departures from his strict interpretation of the Constitution, Jefferson's actions can be seen as aligned with his principles of diplomacy, defense of American interests, and protection of American commerce.
Considering the successful outcome of the conflict and the restoration of American trade and security in the Mediterranean, we can assign Thomas Jefferson a grade of A- for his overall actions during the Barbary "Pirates" event.