Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are two of the United States' most iconic historical figures when it comes to the long and eventful history of American politics. While many Americans can easily point to George Washington as our Founding Father, his ideas about government and how America's new political system should work were instrumental in leading the colonies to independence and creating their own government. However, many of his criticisms and oppositions to the methods powerful men used to control the masses also became part of the new system. His predecessors following his presidency are partly responsible for the dramatic changes brought about by the new government due to the intense partisanship created by them and. Despite the recent revolution and all the hardships the early patriots had to endure to earn their freedom, these two friends still could not prevent the wedge of factionalism from dividing them. It was interesting to read how, despite their differences, the two candidates shared similar goals focused on strengthening their new country instead of spreading their influence as Washington had warned in his farewell speech. The issue of involvement in foreign conflicts appeared to be the main point of contention between the two parties over candidates, although they each had their own views on how international affairs should be handled. The methods John Adams adopted regarding the peace treaty with France seemed to go against everything Washington had warned against regarding foreign relations, but upon reading the book his motivations for doing so became clear and somewhat understandable. The This was due not only to Adams' dedication to his personal background and political history, but also because he knew that faltering relations with a tumultuous French government could lead to the destruction of his country.