Chapter 11 Summary and Analysis

The letters of chapter eleven range from January 1814 to May 1816. Adams and Jefferson's philosophical outlooks were characteristic of the eighteen century. They saw the destruction caused by the Napoleonic Wars and the ancient regime force coalescing as the new century opened. Despite its problems, however, Adams and Jefferson believed that the century treated human nature well and improved the condition of all. And they both saw that American Revolution as part of this form of progress. Because of the two men, at least in part, the idea of representative government was spreading in Europe.

Adams and Jefferson also agreed that the world was good on the whole and that it generated more pleasure than pain. Adams believed that God was leading humanity to progress, though Jefferson thought that if most humans met God they would curse him for their sufferings. Adams...