8 Jeffersonian Ascendancy Theory and Practice of Government

8. Jeffersonian Ascendancy: Theory and Practice of Government Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

Revolution of 1800 § New president had a completely different vision of America from the Federalists whom he replaced. § “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. ”

As President § Jefferson was one of the most brilliant men ever to serve as president. § Instituted many “Republican” policies during his two terms as president. § Soon found that he had to compromise some of his ideas with the “Federalists”

Support for Federalist Concepts st in 1 term – Maintained national bank and debt-repayment plan (Hamilton) – Maintained neutrality (Washington & Adams)

Support for Jeffersonian ideas in st 1 Term – Limited central government – Reduced size of military – Eliminated a number of federal jobs

Settling the Western Areas § Met with resistance from Native Americans § Most significant was the resistance of the followers of Tenskwatawa (Prophet) and his brother, Tecumseh.

Cities Were Growing § § § Centers for trade Coastal cities for shipping Still a few years from industrial revolution.

Most Important Event Louisiana Purchase 1803 for $15, 000 Concerned about constitutionality Realized the importance of controlling the Port of New Orleans and the Mississippi River.

Lewis and Clark Expedition § Meriwether Lewis and William Clark § Explore the Missouri River to find route to Pacific Ocean Sacajawea York

Barbary War § Pirates were demanding tribute to trade in the Mediterranean § Jefferson sends fleet to stop it § Naval Blockade brings an end to tension

John Marshall Court § § Strengthens the power of the Judiciary Marbury v. Madison Establishes the precedent of “judicial review”. Declares the Judicial Act of 1789 to be unconstitutional

Infamous Career of Aaron Burr § Once considered an important leader § Served as Jefferson’s VP during his first term § Kill Alexander Hamilton in a duel § Attempts to take over sections of the country § Finally charged with treason.

Case Heard by Marshall Court § Marshall insisted on a narrow interpretation of treason requiring two witnesses for each count § Marshall, a Federalist was unlikely to support Jefferson § Burr is acquired § Inadvertently protected the civil liberties of all Americans

Slave Trade § Attempted to outlaw foreign slave trade in 1807 § Act was relatively ineffective § Great Britain outlaws slavery in 1807 and trade lessens considerably

Napoleonic Wars Impacts US / England / France § Neutral rights – The United States did not want to be involved in the Napoleonic War § Impressments: British navy was capturing our ships and taking sailors

Jefferson’s Response § Embargo: American ships will not trade with any foreign port § Attempt to punish Britain/failed § Greatest hardship on American merchants

Nation Divided § Jefferson thought his policy of “peaceable coercion” would win § Nation was now divided over the issue of embargo – Northerners hated it – New England thought it was crazy § Brief revival of the Federalist Party

James Madison § Served from 1809 – 1816 § Continued to deal with the same problems that plagued Jefferson § His European Embargo also fails

War of 1812 § US entered the War of 1812 because President Madison convinced the nation that America’s rights as a neutral power had been violated and because many in Congress felt that the British were encouraging the resistance by Native American tribes.

American Strategy § Napoleon to win in Europe § Seize Canada § Pressure would be on Great Britain to give in to our desires.

British Strategy § Capture Washington D. C. § Control New Orleans and the Mississippi River

Opposition to the War § § § Centered in the New England states Impressments was minor inconvenience Loss of trade was more important You can always build a new capital Led to the Hartford Convention

Hartford Convention Leap or No Leap December, 1814 Hartford, Connecticut Limited talk of secession Demanded constitutional amendments – Population based on white males – 2/3 s majority necessary to declare war – Limit the president to one term § War is over before anything is decided. § §

Treaty of Ghent § § § Signed on Christmas Eve, 1814 Halt to hostilities Return of all conquered territory to the prewar claimant Recognition of the prewar boundary between Canada and the United States No mention of the violation of neutral rights.

Battle of New Orleans § Biggest victory of the war § Occurred after the treaty was signed § Made Andrew Jackson a national hero

Results of the War of 1812 § § § § U. S. gained respect of other countries Gave up idea of obtaining Canada Their support of the Hartford Convention doomed the Federalist Party Nullification and secession inspired South American industry grew War heroes dominate political scene Growth of American nationalism