The need for unity in the United States was stressed in both the inaugural addresses of Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush. During Jefferson’s time, there was heavy competition between his Democratic Republicans and the opposing Federalist Party. Despite differences in opinion between the two parties, however, Jefferson believed that at the core, both parties only wanted what was best for the United States. In his address Jefferson stated, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” With the election over, the United States had to unite and be as one. Bush dealt with the same issue in his speech 200 years later. After winning by a very narrow margin in the electoral collage, Bush became the President of a nation again divided along party lines. In his address, Bush said, “Our unity, our union, is the serious work of leaders and citizens in every generation. And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity.” Both Jefferson and Bush saw that it was necessary for America to be united.
Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush also both discussed America’s defense in their inaugural addresses. Bush said that weapons of mass destruction have to be controlled in order to prevent disasters. He also stressed that he will help to build America’s defenses in order to deter any other nation from threatening the U.S. Jefferson also said that he wanted America to remain at peace and have honest friendships with all nations. He pushed for a well-disciplined militia and army in order to protect America from any enemy. The defense of the United States against foreign nations was very important to both Jefferson and Bush and they addressed this issue in their speeches.
Finally, both Jefferson and Bush addressed the role of religion and values in American life. Jefferson said that Americans are “enlightened by a benign religion,” though practiced in various forms. These religions, pointed out Jefferson, all stress honesty, truth, temperance, gratitude, and the love of man, as well as acknowledge an overruling Providence. Jefferson believed these values are ingrained in American citizens. Bush made the same observation in his address. Bush declared that, “We are guided by a power larger that ourselves…and we are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward.” Bush said that Americans must live with civility, courage, compassion, responsibility, and character. Both Jefferson and Bush believed that Americans are guided in life by religion, which encourages them to follow moral values that benefit America.
Though much time separates the terms of Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush, their inaugural addresses dealt with many of the same issues. Both Jefferson and Bush saw a great need for national unity. The strength of America’s defense was also very important to both Presidents. Finally, Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush both felt that Americans are guided by different but similar religions with teach them to follow values beneficial to America.
