Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could scarcely have come from more different worlds or been more different in temperament. They worked closely in the crucible of revolution to craft the Declaration of Independence and help win the war. But ultimately, their profound differences would lead to a crisis in their friendship and in the nation as they led two new and opposing forces, the first American political parties. It was a bitter breach, lasting through the Presidencies of both men and beyond.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could scarcely have come from more different worlds or been more different in temperament. They worked closely in the crucible of revolution to craft the Declaration of Independence and help win the war. But ultimately, their profound differences would lead to a crisis in their friendship and in the nation as they led two new and opposing forces, the first American political parties. It was a bitter breach, lasting through the Presidencies of both men and beyond.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could scarcely have come from more different worlds or been more different in temperament. They worked closely in the crucible of revolution to craft the Declaration of Independence and help win the war. But ultimately, their profound differences would lead to a crisis in their friendship and in the nation as they led two new and opposing forces, the first American political parties. It was a bitter breach, lasting through the Presidencies of both men and beyond.