Jefferson Second Term

Jefferson's Second Term (1805-1809)

  • Election of 1804:

    • Federalists did not formally select a candidate.

    • Even many Federalists supported Jefferson due to his moderate approach.

    • Jefferson is described as having not dismantled the Federalist financial programs, such as the Townsend Plan, leading some to say he "out-federalized the Federalists."

  • Popularity Changes:

    • Jefferson's first term was highly popular; his second term saw a decline in approval due to foreign policy issues, particularly with Britain and France due to the Napoleonic Wars.

Jefferson's Inaugural Address

  • Jefferson was known for his shyness and stutter; he would deliver written speeches.

  • His inaugural focus was on peace, stating, "peace is our passion."

  • Recognized the nation's inability to engage in war at the time.

Foreign Challenges

  • The Napoleonic Wars:

    • Renewed conflicts between Britain and France created significant issues for U.S. trade.

    • American merchant ships faced interference; cargo was seized, and American sailors were forcibly impressed into the British Navy.

  • Embargo Act of 1807:

    • Jefferson pushed Congress to pass the embargo in response to British and French interference with U.S. shipping.

    • The act prevented any U.S. trade with belligerent nations and was extremely unpopular, particularly in New England where it cost jobs and economic stability.

    • Resulted in anger towards Jefferson, declining his popularity.

Jefferson's Sensitivity to Criticism

  • The personal attacks on Jefferson became increasingly harsh, primarily from partisan newspapers that were aligned with Federalist interests.

  • By the end of his second term, Jefferson expressed fatigue and dissatisfaction with the presidency, stating, "I am tired of the office."

Jefferson's Departure and Successor

  • James Madison as Successor:

    • Jefferson aimed to hand over the presidency to his Secretary of State, James Madison, who was seen as a capable successor but faced his own challenges within the party.

    • Madison was described humorously as a "withered little applejack of a man" at 5'4".

    • His background included significant contributions such as being the "father of the Constitution."

  • Madison's Challenges:

    • He lacked strong support within his party due to perceptions of his mental toughness and capability to lead.

    • Despite internal conflict, Madison secured the presidency against weak Federalist opposition with electoral votes of 122 to 40.

The War of 1812

  • Context for War:

    • Madison inherited problems with Britain and issues regarding Native Americans in the Northwest Territory.

    • New Congress comprised of many new, more aggressive members, called "war hawks,” demanded action against Britain.

Native American Resistance

  • Tecumseh's Movement:

    • Tecumseh, a Native American leader, advocated for organizing tribes against expanding white settlements, aiming to unite various tribes for resistance.

    • Used a signaling plan involving breaking reeds to coordinate a simultaneous uprising.

  • Battle of Tippecanoe:

    • William Henry Harrison led U.S. forces against Tecumseh’s village, claiming victory over mostly non-combatant residents.

    • Harrison's victory helped to establish his political career.

Declaration of War

  • Madison Requests War:

    • In June 1812, Madison requested a declaration of war against Britain, highlighting the nation's divided stance on the conflict.

  • Voting Results:

    • The vote in Congress was close, passing with 79 to 49 in the House, indicating deep national divisions.

Conduct of the War

  • Initial Military Struggles:

    • The U.S. military was ill-prepared, leading to a series of initial failures.

    • The USS Constitution symbolized American naval resilience, with its famous battles against British ships.

  • Impact of Federalist Resistance:

    • Many Federalists opposed the war, dubbing it "Mr. Madison's War."

Symbols of Nationalism

  • Fort McHenry:

    • Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner” during the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, emphasizing American resilience.

  • Burning of Washington D.C.:

    • British forces burned key government buildings in Washington, D.C., as a retaliatory act for earlier American attacks on Canadian territory.

Conclusion of the War

  • Battle of New Orleans:

    • Andrew Jackson’s forces achieved a decisive victory against the British in New Orleans after the war had technically ended, leading to a surge of American nationalism.

  • Treaty of Ghent (1814):

    • The war essentially returned relations to pre-war status with no substantial losses or gains recorded in the treaty, though American spirits were high due to perceived victories.

Aftermath and the Era of Good Feelings

  • Shift in Political Landscape:

    • Post-war, America turned its focus westward, entering a period known as the "Era of Good Feelings" under President James Monroe.

  • Monroe Doctrine (1823):

    • Reserve America’s stance of opposing European colonization in the Americas, asserting a bold claim of national independence while influencing U.S. foreign policy.

    • Though primarily authored by John Quincy Adams, it was presented under Monroe’s administration.

  • Call for Unity:

    • Monroe's presidency sought to unify the country post-war, which included outreach to Federalists and transpired into a goodwill tour to promote unity.

  • Legacy of the Hartford Convention:

    • Federalist opposition to the war led to the decline of the party, which was viewed as treasonous after the war ended favorably for the U.S.