Thomas Jefferson and Early American Presidents
Essential Questions
Essential Question: How did Jefferson’s presidency change American government, territory, & foreign policy?
Warm-Up Question: How will the fact that Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican influence his policies as America’s third president?
Early Presidential Lineage
List of Presidents:
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe
John Q. Adams
Andrew Jackson
The Revolution of 1800
Jefferson’s Defeat of Adams:
Called the “Revolution of 1800” because it marked the first time a new political party (Democratic-Republican) took the presidency.
Signified the beginning of nearly 30 years of political dominance by the Democratic-Republicans.
Jefferson's Presidency
Policies and Governance:
As a Democratic-Republican, Jefferson aimed to reverse Federalist policies by reducing the size and cost of the national government.
Specific actions taken:
Military: Reduced the size of the army.
Financial Policies: Cut back Hamilton’s financial plan by eliminating all excise taxes and allowing the charter of the Bank of the U.S. to expire.
Jefferson's Vision for America
Agrarian Republic:
Jefferson believed in maintaining an agrarian republic that safeguards liberty.
Midnight Judges
Adams’ Last-Minute Appointments:
Before leaving office, President Adams appointed numerous Federalist judges to federal courts.
Notable Appointment: John Marshall became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Legacy of Chief Justice John Marshall
Cases that Strengthened Federal Power:
Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Affirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.
Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819): Protected private contracts from state interference.
Cohens v. Virginia (1821): Asserted the Supreme Court's right to review state court decisions.
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Strengthened federal power over interstate commerce.
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831): Concluded that the Supreme Court had the authority to have jurisdiction over cases involving Native American tribes.
Marbury v. Madison Explained
Invalidation of Midnight Judges:
Jefferson attempted to invalidate as many of Adam's midnight judges as possible.
William Marbury sued, claiming that the president could not overturn an act of Congress, leading to the landmark case.
Checks and Balances System
Congressional Powers:
Can impeach judges, create lower federal courts, set the size of the Supreme Court, and determine judicial salaries.
Senate confirms judges.
Judicial Powers:
courts can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional and interpret congressional statutes.
Presidential Powers:
President nominates federal judges, can enforce court orders, recommend legislation, veto bills, and implement laws.
Population and Westward Expansion (1800-1810)
Growth Metrics:
From 1800 to 1810, the population increased by 2 million people.
Significant westward migration occurred, adding 3 new states: Kentucky (1792), Ohio (1803), and Tennessee (1796).
The Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Transaction Details:
Jefferson authorized the purchase of Louisiana from France for $15 million.
He sent Lewis and Clark to explore the territory, revealing a wealth of natural resources.
Constitutional Dilemma:
As a “strict constructionist,” Jefferson was unsure if the Constitution allowed for the acquisition of territory but went ahead with the purchase.
Election of 1804
Re-election:
Jefferson easily won re-election, amassing 176 electoral votes against the Federalist candidate Pinckney.
Jefferson's Legacy
Government Size and Power:
Jefferson aimed to diminish national government size and power, but the Louisiana Purchase expanded it beyond constitutional limits.
Formulated an embargo (a trade ban) against England and France, attempting to secure U.S. interests.
Napoleon’s Empire and the Embargo
Impact of the Embargo:
Jefferson's embargo was detrimental to Americans, leading to smuggling and necessitating a larger government to enforce the trade ban.
The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: Overview
Political Context:
Explored how the War of 1812 encouraged American unity and nationalism.
Presented how earlier presidents (Washington, Adams, Jefferson) responded to trade violations by France and Britain.
Transition to the War of 1812
Presidential Lineage Continuation:
Following Jefferson, James Madison served as president and maintained the Democratic-Republican dominance while pursuing Jeffersonian policies.
Causes of the War of 1812
Continued Violations:
Ongoing conflicts between England and France led to continuous violations of American free trade and impressment of American sailors by the British Navy.
In Congress, “War Hawks” advocated for war to defend U.S. honor, rallying under the cries of “Free Trade & Sailors' Rights.”
Analyzing Potential Solutions for Madison
Discussion Activity:
Students were encouraged to brainstorm potential solutions for President Madison to address these ongoing conflicts with Britain and France.
Overview of the War of 1812
Initial Setbacks:
The U.S. entered a poorly prepared state with a weak navy and poorly trained army.
Hostile actions included British attacks on Washington, D.C., where they burned important government buildings, and the defense of Fort McHenry led to the creation of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Treaty of Ghent and Its Aftermath
Ending the War:
The war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814.
The Battle of New Orleans, fought after the treaty was signed, boosted American morale and created a sense of national pride.
Andrew Jackson emerged as a national hero following this battle.
Aftermath of the War of 1812
National Unity:
Despite unresolved issues in trade rights, the war resulted in a newfound unity among Americans and signified the commencement of an “Era of Good Feelings” characterized by a booming economy and popular presidential leadership.
The Era of Good Feelings Under James Monroe
Monroe's Goals:
Elected in 1816 and 1820, Monroe aimed to foster national unity and enhance America's global standing.
The weakened Federalist Party allowed Monroe significant flexibility in governance.
Nationalism Post-War of 1812
Era of Good Feelings (1815-1825):
Marked by increased nationalism, where the nation's interests were prioritized over sectional interests.
Economic Initiatives for National Unity
American System:
Suggested by Henry Clay in 1816 to unify the economies of the North, South, and West:
Establishment of a second Bank of the U.S.
Creation of a protective tariff to foster U.S. industry.
Development of a national framework of roads and canals.
Expansion and Settlement
Trans-Mississippi Settlement:
By 1840, five new states were admitted: Louisiana (1812), Indiana (1816), Mississippi (1817), Illinois (1818), and Alabama (1819).
By 1840, a third of the population lived in the West.
Territorial and Foreign Policy under Monroe
Monroe’s Expansionist Policies:
Collaboration with British leaders in 1818 to establish the US/Canadian border at the 49º line.
Acquisition of Florida from Spain via the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819.
The Monroe Doctrine
Policy of Protection:
Solidified the U.S. stance on non-interference in European affairs while asserting protective intentions over Latin American nations to prevent re-colonization by Europeans.
Sectionalism During the Era of Good Feelings
Emergence of Sectionalism:
Despite a period of nationalism, regional tensions grew, particularly between the North and South concerning slavery, taxation, and the role of the national government.
Missouri Compromise
Compromise Details:
Missouri sought to enter the Union as a slave state, sparking sectional conflict.
Resulted in Missouri becoming a slave state and Maine a free state to maintain balance.
Prohibited slavery in territories above the latitude of 36°30' to prevent further conflict.
Conclusion and Future Preparedness
Political Commentary:
Discussion on the implications of the Monroe Doctrine and the anticipated responses of the U.S. regarding foreign engagement in the future after its proclamation.
Review and Quizlet Resources
Interactive Review:
Quizlet resources available for further engagement with the material on the first five presidents, focusing on their policies, political contexts, and legacies.