Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are two of America's most iconic historical figures as they discuss the long and turbulent history of American politics. Although many Americans can easily point to George Washington as our founding father, his ideas about government and how the new American political system should work were essential in guiding the colonies to independence and establishing their own government. However, many of his criticisms and oppositions to the methods used by powerful men to control the masses also became part of the new system. His predecessors who followed his presidency are partly responsible for the dramatic changes to the new government because of the intense partisanship they created. Despite the recent revolution and all the hardships the early patriots had to endure to gain their freedom, these two friends were still unable to stop partisanship 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 expanding 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, unlike the candidates, although each had their own opinion on how international affairs should be handled. John Adams' methods regarding the peace treaty with France seemed to go against everything Washington had warned about in foreign relations, but upon reading the book his motivations became clear and somewhat understandable. The XYZ affair had tainted his political record, and as president after George Washington's presidency, he knew he could not leave these issues on the table for the next president to make a decision. This was not only due to Adams's dedication to his personal past and political history, but also because he knew that uncertain relations with a tumultuous French government could lead to the destruction of his country.