During Thomas Jefferson's presidency, the United States prospered greatly economically, socially and politically. His choices, appointments, and beliefs helped him gain the support of many Americans as he led the country as president for two consecutive terms. Despite the fact that Jefferson was not re-elected in 1808, he left several legacies, due to his actions and decisions as president, that would have a great impact on the United States for many years to come. For example, as third president of the United States, Jefferson followed the lead of Washington and Adams in preserving American neutrality in conflicting nations, Britain and France, by issuing the Embargo Act in 1807. He also left a legacy with his boldest act – purchasing the vast Louisiana territory in 1803, an act that would have very positive effects in the end. Jefferson left a final legacy when he made the wise decision, at the beginning of his first term, to keep most of Hamilton's financial system intact. This included the choice not to abolish the national bank or the foreign tariff imposed by Hamilton and the Federalists. Even after Thomas Jefferson stepped down from office, his ideas and beliefs about government remained through his legacies.
             In 1803, France and Britain renewed their vows of war, although this time they tried to hurt the enemy by trade and sea. Neither France nor Britain supported the United States decision to remain neutral; each country obviously wanted the U.S. to stick by them not the "enemy." Britain decided to attack by issuing an order that said if neutral U.S. ships went into French ports, they would not be considered neutral to Britain.
             This alarmed Jefferson because he knew he had to avoid war at all costs, and this was an obvious threat to the U.S. Meanwhile, France issued a number of decrees with the intention of stopping British exports to European ports. Since both Britain and France wanted to trade...