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    • Repealed the whiskey tax.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.