The first United States Secretary of State was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson served as Secretary of State under President George Washington from 1790 to 1793. As Secretary of State, Jefferson played a crucial role in shaping American foreign policy and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries. Jefferson was a key figure in negotiating the Jay Treaty with Great Britain, which helped to prevent a potential war between the two nations. He also played a role in the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast new territories for settlement. Jefferson's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by his commitment to promoting American interests abroad and establishing the United States as a respected member of the international community. He believed in a policy of non-intervention and sought to maintain friendly relations with other countries while protecting American interests. In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Jefferson also worked to expand the reach of the United States through exploration and trade. He commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and establish trade relations with Native American tribes. Overall, Thomas Jefferson's tenure as Secretary of State laid the foundation for American foreign policy and set the stage for the country's future diplomatic efforts. His commitment to promoting American interests and establishing friendly relations with other countries helped to shape the United States as a respected member of the global community. To learn more about Thomas Jefferson and his role as the first United States Secretary of State, you can visit the following websites: - [Biography of Thomas Jefferson](https://www.monticello.org/thomas-jefferson/) - [United States Department of State](https://www.state.gov/) - [History of the Secretary of State position](https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/secretary) In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson's legacy as Secretary of State continues to be felt in American foreign policy to this day. His diplomatic efforts and commitment to promoting American interests abroad set the standard for future generations of diplomats and helped to establish the United States as a major player on the world stage.

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