We are all Republicans, We are all Federalists - Thomas Jefferson's Inauguration
Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address was important for several reasons.
Most importantly, perhaps, was when he said, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.”
We are all Republicans, We are all Federalists
The inauguration of Thomas Jefferson as President was a monumental moment in American, even world, history.
Every detail of the day was analyzed, from Jefferson’s decision to walk to the event (instead of ride in a carriage) to his plain dress (instead of fancy suit and sword).
However, the most important part of the whole affair was one line uttered in the middle of his First Inaugural Address…”We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.”
We are all Americans
At the time, most citizens did not consider themselves Americans.
Instead, they thought of themselves as Virginians, or New Yorkers, or North Carolinians…
With this one line, Jefferson captured a changing feeling the people had about their young Republic.
With this phrase, Thomas indicated that the deep political divisions which were alive at the time were not as important as uniting under a common banner.
In other words, ‘we are all Americans.’
Switching Executives
Jefferson’s quote had an even more profound impact on history.
As the second President, John Adams followed George Washington as the de facto head of the Federalist Party.
Jefferson came in as the leader of the Republican Party.
Historically, when a new Head of State took over a nation, there was a civil war. Generally, some sort of violence took place.
A Non-Violent Revolution
The non-violent transfer of power from one political party to another, at that point, was rare in human history.
Jefferson taking over as Chief Magistrate was in itself a revolution of sorts.
It was a symbolic proof that a republican government could work in a modern society.
Dozens of nations around the world have since followed suit, to varying degrees of success.
“We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,” was Jefferson’s way of shouting from the rooftops that this was a nation of laws, not of men. It was a declaration that this American people were enlightened, and would follow the leader which the majority desired.
Do you want to read more articles involving Thomas Jefferson?
Here you go:
Thomas Jefferson Makes a Name for Himself
The Changing Names of Mary Jefferson
Freedom Through Food - Culinary Master James Hemmings
Do you love the quote “We are all Republicans, We are all Federalists?”
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“We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,” is a quote from Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address as President of the United States.
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