The Early American Rhetorical Presidency Building a Nation’s Identity

1. The Early American Rhetorical PresidencyBuilding a Nation’s Identity Timeline of Early American Events and Presidents 1775-1783 1776 1787-1788 1789-1797 1797-1801 1801-1809 Revolutionary War Declaration of Independence Federal Convention; Constitution Ratified George Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson

2. Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address “Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that, having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions. During the throes and convulsions of the ancient world, during the agonizing spasms of infuriated man, seeking through blood and slaughter his long-lost liberty, it was not wonderful that the agitation of the billows should reach even this distant and peaceful shore; that this should be more felt and feared by some and less by others, and should divide opinions as to measures of safety. But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.”

3. Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address Unsettled Circumstances: Address made before an unfinished Capitol building. The President, Vice President, and Chief Justice were at odds and for many this symbolized a lack of stability in a young government.

4. Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address • Three Readings of the Address: • A partisan act. • “If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go at all…” • “Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle…” • “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists…” • A statement of political theory. • A rhetorical performance.

5. George Washington “Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope, that my Country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.”

6. George Washington • While not as eloquent as some, perhaps the most tactful speaker of the era • Understood the presidency is “Inherently Rhetorical” • Morally authoritative, father figure • Imposing stature (Over 6 feet, 200+ lbs)

7. John Adams • Marred by controversy • Distinctly aware of his historical legacy • Writes justification for his actions to many papers citing morality and virtue as his motivation

8. Major Rhetorical Themes of the Era • Virtues • Identity • Nationhood • The Rights and Responsibility of the Individual “Let us then fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind” Thomas Jefferson

9. Primary Rhetorical Means: Letter Writing

10. Discussion • How does the means of rhetoric (letter writing, newspaper circulation) affect the reception of the audience? • How have the meanings of language symbolic to American rhetoric evolved over time? • How is the role of religion different in these speeches in comparison to today’s rhetoric