Jefferson, Madison, and the War of 1812 (Notes 3)

Jefferson attempts to win the loyalty and allegiance of Federalists:

• Maintained Hamilton’s Financial Plan

• Continued neutral foreign policy

Jefferson wanted to retain loyalty of Democratic-Republicans:

• Reduced size of military

• Eliminated some federal jobs

• Repealed some taxes

• Lowered national debt

1800:

• Napoleon forces Spain to return Louisiana Territory to France

Lewis and Clark Expedition: 

• Jefferson agrees to fund scientific exploration

• Greater geographic and scientific knowledge 

• Stronger claims to Oregon territory

• Improved relations with Natives

Supreme Court dominated by:

• Federalist leaning judges

John Marshall

• Appointed chief justice in 1800

• Decisions generally strengthened the central government

Marbury vs. Madison:

• Supreme Court rules a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional 

Judicial Review:

• The idea that the other 2 branches of government have to have the final say from the Supreme Court

1804:

• Jefferson wins re-election

Aaron Burr (former VP):

• Causes problems during Jeffersons Presidency

Embargo Act (1807)

• Prohibited American merchant ships from sailing to any foreign port

• Devastating effect on US economy

James Madison (Dem-Rep): 

• Wins election of 1808

Commercial Warfare:

• Ongoing issues with seizure of American merchant ships

• European nations not respecting US neutrality

Causes of the War of 1812: 

• Freedom of the seas and lack of respect for the US

Declaring War: 

• War Hawks elected to Congress in 1810

• Britain does not immediately respond to US demands- official declaration of war in June 1812

The Treaty of Ghent:

• 1814: Diplomats travel to Ghent, Belgium to negotiate peace

• War ends in a stalemate with no real gains for either side

US accepts Canada as:

• Part of the British Empire