Thomas Jefferson Quotes
There is on the globe one single spot the possessor of which is the natural enemy of the United States—New Orleans.
See Jefferson’s reaction when he thought that Napoleon would occupy New Orleans: {593067}
Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826, 3rd President of the United States (Democratic Republican, VA), Quoted on The History Channel, The Battle of New Orleans, July 13, 2000
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
The country had just returned to civilian rule after years of murder and government atrocities under a military junta.
Jefferson had been very much pro French and anti British, but the rise of Napoleon and French presence on the American continent shifted his views, culminating in the Louisiana Purchase. See {605059} for Jefferson’s view on the military significance of New Orleans.
The CIA was supplying planes and pilots to assist anti-Government rebels in their efforts to overthrow Sukarno. Meanwhile, the Secretary of State and other American officials were insisting that America had no involvement in the Indonesian civil war. See {591337}.
This was true at the time for most nations and their activities—the world was, and was perceived of, as a zero sum game. But with the modern world, much of international activity is not zero sum. In foreign trade both parties to a transaction might win. In scientific research, a win for one nation increases the benefit from all nations who use that research or build upon it.
- Born: April 13, 1743
- Died: July 4, 1826
- Nationality: American
- Profession: President
Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He had previously served as the second vice president of the United States under John Adams between 1797 and 1801. The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was a proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, motivating American colonists to break from the Kingdom of Great Britain and form a new nation; he produced formative documents and decisions at both the state and national levels.
