Jefferson's Term and Louisiana Purchase

Republicanism After Federalist Era

• Transition from Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist to Republicanism.
• Jefferson's presidency:
  • Marbury vs. Madison was a key early event.
  • Kept Hamilton's economic program.
  • Repealed the whiskey tax.
    • Whiskey Rebellion showed the power of voting and influencing political change.
    • Republicans voted into office, leading to the tax repeal.
  • Released those prosecuted under the Sedition Act.
    • Sedition Act enacted by the Federalists.
    • Jefferson believed in states' rights and limited federal power.

Jefferson's Policies and Actions

• Reducing Federal Government Size:
  • Reduced the size of the federal government.
  • Eliminated the standing army.
  • Reduced the national debt through decreased government spending.
• Outlawing Foreign Slave Trade:
  • Foreign slave trade outlawed starting January 1, 1808, as per the Constitution.
• Louisiana Purchase:
  • A major accomplishment greatly expanding the U.S.
  • In 1799, Spain returned the Louisiana territory to France.
  • Jefferson concerned about French presence and sought to purchase the territory.
  • Negotiated a treaty of cession with Napoleon Bonaparte.

Louisiana Purchase Details

• Territorial Expansion:
  • The Louisiana Purchase significantly expanded the United States.
  • In 1803, the U.S. consisted of the brown area, with the Louisiana Purchase territory marked in green.
  • Spain maintained control over Spanish Florida, extending to the Mississippi River.
• Constitutional Debate:
  • The purchase raised constitutional questions about the president's authority to acquire territory.
  • Federalists adopted a strict interpretation of the Constitution, reversing their previous stance.
  • Republicans used a loose interpretation, arguing it was a treaty.
  • Senate ratified the treaty due to Republican control.

Republican Party and Federalist Decline

• Shift in Political Power:
  • Republicans gained power while Federalists weakened.
  • Federalists helped unite Republicans against a common foe.
  • With little opposition, the Republican party began to splinter.

Aaron Burr and His Conflict with Hamilton

• Burr's Ambitions:
  • Aaron Burr nearly became president instead of Jefferson.
  • Burr and Hamilton intensely disliked each other.
  • Hamilton viewed Burr as unethical and power-hungry.
  • Hamilton influenced the House of Representatives to favor Jefferson.
• Duel with Hamilton:
  • Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel after Hamilton opposed Burr's bid for New York governor.
  • Dueling, though illegal, was common among gentlemen to settle matters of honor.
  • Hamilton accepted the duel, possibly to avoid being seen as a coward.

The Duel and Its Aftermath

• Hamilton's Death:
  • Hamilton expressed reluctance before the duel and allegedly did not intend to shoot Burr.
  • Two shots were fired; Hamilton possibly wasted his shot, while Burr fatally wounded Hamilton.
  • Hamilton died later from the wound.
• Burr's Conspiracy:
  • Burr fled to Spanish Florida and later planned to have the Louisiana territory secede.
  • Burr intended to establish a kingdom for himself.
  • General James Wilkinson, Burr's co-organizer, exposed the plan to Jefferson.

Burr's Treason Trial

• Treason Charges:
  • Jefferson sought to convict Burr of treason.
  • Chief Justice John Marshall, a political opponent of Jefferson, presided over the trial.
  • Marshall defined treason rigidly, requiring two witnesses for conviction.
• Acquittal:
  • With only one witness (General Wilkinson), Burr was not convicted of treason.