Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

What it is

This is the First Inaugural Address delivered by Thomas Jefferson on March 4, 1801, when he became president of the United States. A copy is held by the Library of Congress.

Why it matters

Jefferson's address came after a hard-fought and divisive election. In it he famously declared, "we are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," calling for unity between the rival political parties. His inauguration marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in U.S. history, an important test of the young nation's democracy.

Look closer

• Why might Jefferson have wanted to stress unity rather than celebrate his party's victory?
• What does it suggest about a democracy when power can pass peacefully between rival parties?
• What might this speech leave out about the real tensions between parties at the time?