Empire of Liberty takes a new look at the public life, thought, and ambiguous legacy of one of America's most revered statesmen, offering new insight into the meaning of Jefferson in the American experience. This work examines Jefferson's legacy for American foreign policy in the light of several critical themes which continue to be highly significant today: the struggle between isolationists and interventionists, the historic ambivalence over the nation's role as a crusader for liberty, and the relationship between democracy and peace. Written by two distinguished scholars, this book provides invaluable insight into the classic ideas of American diplomacy.
Empire of Liberty : The Statecraft of Thomas Jefferson
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy still influences America--not just because of his greatest success, the purchase of Louisiana, but because of the high moral purpose with which he endowed the basest of goals. Jefferson consistently invoked transcending principles while pursuing expansionist aims, and rejected the European "reason of state" for policies of peaceable coercion. He refined this "practical idealism" in the 1790s, but after Louisiana he foundered in his quests for Florida and neutral rights. The authors offer a masterful, interpretive synthesis of the triumphs and failures of Jefferson's diplomacy. Their analysis of the pitfalls of moralism puts both the War of 1812 and current issues in new contexts. For specialists.
- Harry W. Fritz, Univ . of Montana, Missoula
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Harry W. Fritz, Univ . of Montana, Missoula
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"[A] very worthwhile survey of Jeffersonian America."--Paul Doutrich, York College of Pennsylvania
"An interesting and provocative interpretation of Jefferson. Well-written and very persuasive."--Thomas A. Schwartz, Vanderbilt University
"The most provocative and stimulating single volume now available on Jefferson's diplomacy."--Journal of Southern History
"An excellent book that is the best succinct account of Jefferson's foreign policy and a superb primer for understanding America's response to the outside world."--New York Times Book Review
"An impressive intellectual exercise. Two able political scientists have moved in among historians to produce an insightful history of Thomas Jefferson's public life written with verve and high style."--Journal of American History
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By examining United States foreign policy between 1783 and 1809 in their book "Empire of Liberty," Robert W. Tucker and David C. Hendrickson put the myth of Thomas Jefferson under fire. Tucker and Hendrickson's central thesis is that Jefferson's statecraft wavered between two contradictory principles of liberty and empire. While president, Jefferson often found himself torn between pursuing a foreign policy role that provided examples of liberty, and a role as an "active crusader in international affairs" (Chaudhuri, American Political Science Review, September 1991). Tucker and Hendrickson claim that Jefferson tried in vain to accomplish both of these conflicting goals. The aim of his "new diplomacy" was to pursue the traditional ends of security and prestige while renouncing the traditional means of entangling alliances and wars that had been constantly used by European powers in the past (Mayer, Washington Post, August 2, 1990). Instead, Jefferson would rely upon what he called "peaceable coercion"--a foreign policy establishing security by commercial arrangements, through the force of American ideals. Jefferson believed that liberty and empire could go hand in hand in the formation of United States foreign policy.
Tucker and Hendrickson analyze several policies during the Jefferson administration to give historiographical context to their argument. The 1803 Louisiana Purchase is mentioned as a case in point. On the surface, the acquisition of almost half a continent at a negligible price was a great triumph of statecraft. Jefferson believed that this incredible land acquisition "preserved the republican character of the Union by removing the presence of dangerous neighbors and the prospect of wars that must result in the imposition of unbearable burdens on society" (Dallek, New York Times, July 1, 1990). It also insured that a predominantly agricultural political economy would be sustained while the United States experienced a steady increase in population. The Louisiana Purchase appeared to be clearly within the interests of the United States.
However, Tucker and Hendrickson point out that in order to make this purchase, Jefferson abandoned several of his sacred principles of liberty. In acquiring Louisiana, Jefferson abandoned his deeply held commitment to strict construction of the Constitution, which did not specifically mention a power to acquire territory (Dallek 1990). Tucker and Hendrickson question this abandonment of principle in light of the circumstances revolving around the purchase. They point out that Napoleon would most likely have not repudiated the agreement if action had been delayed, and that the speedy ratification of the treaty that Jefferson advocated was not necessary (Cunningham, Journal of the Early Republic, September 1991). Like Henry Adams, whose history of Jefferson's administration the authors admire and frequently draw upon, Tucker and Hendrickson emphasize the president's abandonment of strict construction in regard to the Louisiana Purchase as evidence of his desire to establish an empire.
This book has many notable strengths. Tucker and Hendrickson advance their ideas with a portrayal of Jefferson's statecraft that is very comprehensive. Most of the main foreign policy circumstances and events of the Jefferson era are described in detail--in addition to the Louisiana Purchase and policies regarding Native Americans, the authors provide comprehensive analysis on the maritime crisis with Great Britain, and Jefferson's views on Napoleon. Tucker and Hendrickson give a freshness to historical subjects of the Jeffersonian era that have already been mulled over by countless historians.
Along with its strengths, a couple weaknesses exist in "Empire of Liberty." Occasionally the authors press their points too hard. Although Jefferson somewhat abandoned his embrace of free trade in 1807, Tucker and Hendrickson exaggerate his original devotion to the principle. Additionally, labeling him as a "true believer in strict constructionism" until the Louisiana Purchase ignores his acceptance of Hamiltonian policies from the inception of his administration (Kaplan, Journal of American History, June 1991). Tucker and Hendrickson's critique of Jefferson's foreign policy is perhaps somewhat overbearing.
Regardless of any shortcomings Tucker and Hendrickson's analysis may have, they do an exceptional job of making a definite contribution to Jeffersonian literature. They create a picture of Jefferson somewhat different than the image conveyed by such historians as Gilbert Chinard, Merrill Peterson and Dumas Malone. "Empire of Liberty" tends to lean more towards to so-called "darker side" of Jefferson represented by the work of Leonard Levy. Overall, by provoking thoughts on Jeffersonian foreign policy, Tucker and Hendrickson's work contributes monumentally to the discourse on the life of Thomas Jefferson.
Tucker and Hendrickson analyze several policies during the Jefferson administration to give historiographical context to their argument. The 1803 Louisiana Purchase is mentioned as a case in point. On the surface, the acquisition of almost half a continent at a negligible price was a great triumph of statecraft. Jefferson believed that this incredible land acquisition "preserved the republican character of the Union by removing the presence of dangerous neighbors and the prospect of wars that must result in the imposition of unbearable burdens on society" (Dallek, New York Times, July 1, 1990). It also insured that a predominantly agricultural political economy would be sustained while the United States experienced a steady increase in population. The Louisiana Purchase appeared to be clearly within the interests of the United States.
However, Tucker and Hendrickson point out that in order to make this purchase, Jefferson abandoned several of his sacred principles of liberty. In acquiring Louisiana, Jefferson abandoned his deeply held commitment to strict construction of the Constitution, which did not specifically mention a power to acquire territory (Dallek 1990). Tucker and Hendrickson question this abandonment of principle in light of the circumstances revolving around the purchase. They point out that Napoleon would most likely have not repudiated the agreement if action had been delayed, and that the speedy ratification of the treaty that Jefferson advocated was not necessary (Cunningham, Journal of the Early Republic, September 1991). Like Henry Adams, whose history of Jefferson's administration the authors admire and frequently draw upon, Tucker and Hendrickson emphasize the president's abandonment of strict construction in regard to the Louisiana Purchase as evidence of his desire to establish an empire.
This book has many notable strengths. Tucker and Hendrickson advance their ideas with a portrayal of Jefferson's statecraft that is very comprehensive. Most of the main foreign policy circumstances and events of the Jefferson era are described in detail--in addition to the Louisiana Purchase and policies regarding Native Americans, the authors provide comprehensive analysis on the maritime crisis with Great Britain, and Jefferson's views on Napoleon. Tucker and Hendrickson give a freshness to historical subjects of the Jeffersonian era that have already been mulled over by countless historians.
Along with its strengths, a couple weaknesses exist in "Empire of Liberty." Occasionally the authors press their points too hard. Although Jefferson somewhat abandoned his embrace of free trade in 1807, Tucker and Hendrickson exaggerate his original devotion to the principle. Additionally, labeling him as a "true believer in strict constructionism" until the Louisiana Purchase ignores his acceptance of Hamiltonian policies from the inception of his administration (Kaplan, Journal of American History, June 1991). Tucker and Hendrickson's critique of Jefferson's foreign policy is perhaps somewhat overbearing.
Regardless of any shortcomings Tucker and Hendrickson's analysis may have, they do an exceptional job of making a definite contribution to Jeffersonian literature. They create a picture of Jefferson somewhat different than the image conveyed by such historians as Gilbert Chinard, Merrill Peterson and Dumas Malone. "Empire of Liberty" tends to lean more towards to so-called "darker side" of Jefferson represented by the work of Leonard Levy. Overall, by provoking thoughts on Jeffersonian foreign policy, Tucker and Hendrickson's work contributes monumentally to the discourse on the life of Thomas Jefferson.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
AMONG THE FOUNDING GENERATION of American statesmen, none seems more elusive than Thomas Jefferson. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
total nonimportation, maritime crisis, diplomatic design, diplomatic outlook, peaceable coercion, neutral rights, claims convention, colonial scheme, alliance diplomacy, national conduct Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Great Britain, New Orleans, West Florida, Santo Domingo, Secretary of State, West Indies, Henry Adams, North America, Continental System, French Revolution, Dumas Malone, John Adams, Rufus King, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, John Randolph, New World, Royal Navy, First Consul, Mississippi River, West Indian, Joseph Priestley, Secretary of the Treasury, South America New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
AMONG THE FOUNDING GENERATION of American statesmen, none seems more elusive than Thomas Jefferson. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
total nonimportation, maritime crisis, diplomatic design, diplomatic outlook, peaceable coercion, neutral rights, claims convention, colonial scheme, alliance diplomacy, national conduct Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Great Britain, New Orleans, West Florida, Santo Domingo, Secretary of State, West Indies, Henry Adams, North America, Continental System, French Revolution, Dumas Malone, John Adams, Rufus King, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, John Randolph, New World, Royal Navy, First Consul, Mississippi River, West Indian, Joseph Priestley, Secretary of the Treasury, South America New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 100
books:
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34
books
cite this book:
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- Thomas Jefferson by Chinard on 4 pages
- Alexander Hamilton: A Biography by Forrest McDonald on 4 pages
- Alexander Hamilton by Jacob D. Cooke in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- This Affair of Louisiana (Louisiana paperbacks in history) by Alexander Deconde in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Nonintervention and International Order (Center of International Studies) by R. J. Vincent in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
See all 100 books this book cites
- Napoleon's Troublesome Americans: Franco-American Relations, 1804-1815 by Peter P. Hill in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Jefferson's Call for Nationhood: The First Inaugural Address (Library of Presidential Rhetoric) by Stephen Howard Browne in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- A Proslavery Foreign Policy: Haitian-American Relations during the Early Republic by Tim Matthewson on page 16, and page 116
- The Future of Liberal Democracy: Thomas Jefferson and the Contemporary World by R.K. Ramazani on page 281
- The Republican Vision of John Tyler by R. Daniel Monroe in Back Matter
See all 34 books citing this book
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