Study Notes on The Age of Jefferson (1800-1816)

Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address (1801)
- Quote: "Let us then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind… We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."
- Context: Marked an effort to reduce animosity between the two political parties following the election of 1800.

After the election of 1800 (Revolution of 1800)
- Transition of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans was peaceful.
- Jefferson emphasized unity in governance, promoting the acceptance of constitutional principles by all.
By 1816, the Federalist party weakened significantly, with the Democratic-Republicans adopting some Federalist policies.
Under Jefferson and Madison, the nation expanded, experienced war, and strengthened in its democratic and nationalistic spirit, despite ongoing issues like slavery and treatment of American Indians.

Key Actions in Jefferson's First Term
- Maintained Hamilton's national bank and debt-repayment plan to gain trust from Federalists.
- Continued the neutrality policies established by previous administrations (Washington and Adams).
- Reduced military size, eliminated federal jobs and excise taxes including whiskey tax, and lowered national debt.
- Cabinet comprised solely of Republicans to avoid divisions.

Description of
the Louisiana Territory
- Key geographical area west of the Mississippi River, including the economically significant port of New Orleans.
- Originally claimed by Spain, returned to France in 1800 by Napoleon, but became available for purchase when Napoleon's interests shifted.
Jefferson's Concerns
- Economic reliance of western settlers on access to New Orleans.
- Spanish closure of the port in 1802 alarmed American farmers who depended on the river for commerce.
- Jefferson feared U.S. entanglement in European affairs due to foreign control over the Mississippi River.

Instructions were given to U.S. ministers in France to negotiate for New Orleans and surrounding land for $10 million.
- After negotiations failed, France offered the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million; American ministers accepted, exceeding their original mandate.

Jefferson grappled with constitutional constraints regarding federal land purchases, as he advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
- Ultimately justified the purchase as a treaty-making power.
Consequences of the Louisiana Purchase:
- More than doubled the size of the U.S., removing European presence from borders and enhancing Jefferson's vision of an agrarian society.
- Strengthened Jefferson's popularity while weakening Federalist opposition.

Funded scientific exploration to better understand the newly acquired territory.
- Led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark (1804-1806).
- Achievements included geographic knowledge, stronger claims to Oregon Territory, and better relations with American Indians.

John Marshall's Role
- Appointed Chief Justice by Adams; exerted influential power in the Supreme Court.
- Decisions tended to favor central government, often at the expense of states’ rights.

Conflict arose when Jefferson attempted to block Federalist judges appointed by Adams.
- William Marbury sued over his commission; Marshall ruled the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional, establishing judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate congressional acts.

Actions taken to counter Federalist power through impeachment attempts of Federalist judges.
- Success in removing one district judge; the attempt to impeach Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase was unsuccessful, leading to a cautious judiciary.

Won reelection in 1804, but faced internal and external problems.
- Aaron Burr's conspiracies led to tensions within the party.
- Continued economic issues due to Napoleonic wars addressing U.S. neutrality.

Faced piracy in the Mediterranean, leading to an undeclared war with Tripoli (1801-1805).
- Shift from paying tribute to military action, enhancing the navy's reputation.

U.S. dependent on free shipping; British and French military hostilities affected American neutrality.
- Impressment of U.S. sailors heightened tensions, with specific incidents such as the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair (1807).

Aimed at curtailing U.S. merchant shipping to comply with neutral rights, failed economically and led to public dissent.
- Ultimately repealed in Jefferson's final days.

James Madison, with Jefferson's support, wins presidency but faces ongoing issues from Jefferson's policies.
Nonintercourse Act of 1809 replaced the Embargo Act, allowing trade with nations except Britain and France.

Restored trade, with the condition of respecting U.S. neutral rights being necessary from Britain or France.
Napoleon's deceit over agreeing to stop violating U.S. rights led to further conflicts.

Related to maritime rights violations and territorial pressures from conflicts involving American Indians.
- Expansionist desires also fueled support for war against British influence in North America.

War Hawks, led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, emerged, advocating for war with Britain.
Congress and public were not united in their support for the war, reflecting regional divisions.

U.S. faced initial defeats in Canada while achieving some naval victories.
- Battles included the Chesapeake campaign where British burned D.C. and the heroic defense at Fort McHenry.

Concluded the War of 1812 with no territorial changes or resolutions for grievances.

New England Federalists threatened secession over opposition to the war; however, the movement lost momentum subsequently.

U.S. gained international respect by surviving two consecutive wars with Britain.
Loss of Federalist momentum and influence post-war reduced their political clout.
Pressure on American Indians resulted in surrendering more land due to weakened resistance.
Fostered industrial growth due to British blockades and enhanced nationalism, steering focus westward.