Republican Ascendant

Republican Ascendant

Jefferson’s Presidency Overview

• Continuation from previous topics discussed before Exam Number Two.

• Focus on Jefferson's first term and the emerging leadership of the Republican party during this era.

Jefferson's Goals and Philosophies

• Jefferson aims to run the government differently than Federalists.

  • Strong support of agriculture, reflecting the value of small farmers.

  • Believes agriculture is at the core of the American democratic experiment, counter to European models.

  • Advocates for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

  • Emphasis on states’ rights and limitation of federal power.

Reduction of Federal Government

• Predictably starts his presidency by reducing the size and costs of the federal government:

  • Drastically cuts armed forces established during previous military build-ups (Federalist era during France).

  • Abolishes Alien Acts, viewing them as unconstitutional.

  • Repeals taxes, like the whiskey tax, leading to a smaller and less costly federal government compared to John Adams’s administration.

Shift in Policies

• Transition from predictable initial actions to more complex policy decisions:

  • Louisiana Purchase: A pivotal event that demonstrates contradictions in Jefferson's strict interpretation philosophy:

  • Key issue: Access to the Mississippi River, vital for farmers moving westward.

  • Louisiana territory had fluctuated between French and Spanish control, leading to concerns about navigation and trade.

  • Jefferson sends diplomats to negotiate access to the Port of New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi River.

  • Delays in French negotiations due to the Haitian Revolution and Napoleon's military distractions.

  • Unexpected offer from Napoleon to sell all of Louisiana for $15,000,000 (~ 4 cents per acre):

    • Jefferson grapples with constitutional constraints since the Constitution does not explicitly empower him to purchase land.

    • Ultimately decides to proceed with the acquisition under the treaty negotiation powers, loosely interpreting the Constitution in the process.

• Political Opposition: Federalists, who are concerned the Purchase favors Jefferson's Republican agenda, opposed the acquisition:

  • Fear of losing political power as new small farming lands would boost Jefferson’s political strength.

  • Discussion of secession among Federalists in New England worried about their future in a nation dominated by small farmers voting for Jefferson.

Exploration of the New Territory

• Jefferson commissions Lewis and Clark to explore the newly acquired territory:

  • Louisiana Purchase Territory: The expedition aimed at mapping the land and establishing claims.

  • Uncertainty about boundaries such as West Florida, which complicates future governance.

The West Florida Revolt

• Affected territories’ residents, feeling excluded from American governance, rebelling against Spanish control in 1810:

  • Saint Francisville rebellion led to the establishment of the Republic of West Florida for 81 days before annexation by the US.

  • Madison administration eventually recognizes the territory as part of the original Louisiana Purchase.

Aaron Burr's Controversies

• After attempted power grab in the electoral college and subsequently being shunned by the Republican party,

  • Transition to running for governor under the Federalist party.

  • Challenge and fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton:

  • Burr’s actions lead to him falling out of political favor.

  • Involved in a conspiracy to unify several territories and break away from the US, leading to his trial for treason.

  • Outcome of Trial: Burr cleverly avoids conviction due to definitions related to treason and executes executive privilege, setting precedent for future executive actions.

Jefferson's Embargo of 1807

• Aimed to deal with ongoing international harassment of American shipping by Britain and France with economic measures:

  • Efforts to use economic coercion ultimately backfire, leading to widespread frustration among American farmers and merchants.

  • Smuggling becomes rampant, especially in New England, against federal government actions.

Jefferson's Retirement

• Decides not to run for a third term, passing the presidency over to James Madison, who won the election of 1808:

  • Madison inherits unresolved shipping and neutral rights issues leading towards the War of 1812.

War of 1812

Causes and Consequences

• The buildup of tensions surrounding issues like neutral shipping rights leads Madison to declare war against Great Britain:

  • Failed attempts at Treaty Negotiation: Overarching grievances leading to a declaration of war despite seeking respect from European powers.

  • Initial military engagements are disastrous for the United States.

Major Warfare and Events

• Early military failures give way to the British capture of Washington, D.C., burning the capital and White House:

  • Dolly Madison’s efforts save key national artifacts.

  • Subsequent battles lead to American victories, especially at Fort McHenry which inspires the Star-Spangled Banner.

• Rise of Andrew Jackson during the upheaval against the Creek Indians results in significant territorial and political ramifications for Native Americans:

  • Jackson successfully suppresses Creek uprising and expands US territory.

  • Gains significant public support through military successes such as the Battle of New Orleans despite the visible administrative failures of the war.

Aftermath of the War

• War officially concludes with the Treaty of Ghent, but no significant territorial gains made by the US:

  • Increased respect from European nations even without territorial expansion.

  • A century of no world war

  • Dismantling of the Federalist Party due to its perceived treasonous behavior during the war.

• Rise in nationalist sentiments across the nation with a more unified national identity fostering an era of growth and prosperity post-war.

• 1st recession crisis

• Hartford Convention - essentially saying we cannot win the war