Thomas Jefferson's presidency marked a drastic change from his predecessors, George Washington and John Adams. He rose above principle to achieve great accomplishments, including the Louisiana Purchase, which redefined America as a continental Republic. Jefferson's vision of America was an agricultural nation, and he believed that those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God. He also commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly purchased land and establish relations with native tribes. Despite his failures, including the Embargo Act, Jefferson's legacy continues to shape American history and politics. [... more]