Question

How did Jefferson's election as president change the relationship between the

two men in Thomas Jefferson: The Best of Enemies?

Answer 1

Jefferson's election as president changed his relationship with Adams from a partnership to a rivalry. Jefferson's Republican Party anticipated changes in the government, while the Federalist Party feared the loss of a strong central government. Jefferson's political maneuvering and the Republicans' strategy strengthened his position, while Adams's presidency was marred by lack of trusted advisers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The election of Thomas Jefferson as president marked a significant shift in the dynamic between him and John Adams, from a strained partnership to political rivalry. During the election of 1796, Adams became president while Jefferson served as his vice president. Although the two men had revolutionary credentials, their relationship was complicated by their leadership in opposing political parties, the Federalists and the Republicans, respectively. The electoral standoff of the 1800 election, which eventually led to Jefferson's presidency, solidified their transition from friends to rivals.

Following his election, Jefferson had to choose between his earlier friendship with Adams and his commitment to leading a party that aimed to reshape American politics. The Republicans looked forward to potential changes under Jefferson's leadership, while the Federalists viewed these changes with trepidation. They feared that Jefferson would abandon the strong central government favored by Federalists in favor of states' rights, which could limit their influence.

Jefferson's decision to lead the Republican Party involved a calculated political move; he stayed clear of Adams's unpopular policies, maintaining his viability as a candidate. Adams, who lacked trusted advisors, found his presidency challenging and often sought counsel from his politically astute wife, Abigail. Meanwhile, Jefferson and Madison tactically distanced themselves from Adams's administration, strengthening Jefferson's position for the upcoming presidential race.

Answer 2

In "Thomas Jefferson: The Best of Enemies" by Gordon S. Wood, it is described how the election of Thomas Jefferson as President of the United States changed the relationship between the two men, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Before the election, they were already political rivals, but the election intensified their personal animosity toward each other. After Jefferson's election, the two men stopped corresponding with each other for several years. However, they eventually reconciled and resumed their correspondence later in life, and their letters reveal a deep respect for each other's abilities and contributions to the country.