The War of 1812 and the Rise of

Nationalism

Jefferson’s Presidency• Election of 1800

– A bitter battle between John Adams (Federalist) and Thomas Jefferson (Republican)

– Mudslinging: • Adams = a monarchist who would

turn the White House into a brothel and the nation a slave to Britain.

• Jefferson = an atheist plotting with France to overthrow the United States

• Impact of Burr on the Election of 1800– Burr’s

popularity in NY helps the Republicans

– Jefferson wins, but ties with his running mate Aaron Burr. • Who will be Pres? Who

will be VP?

– House of Representatives decides the election, with Alexander Hamilton swinging the support to TJ.

• 12th Amendment– Electors cast separate

ballots for Pres and VP

“The Revolution of 1800”

• Jefferson’s “peaceful revolution”– First peaceful transfer of

power! – Jefferson seeks to “simplify”

and reduce the power of the gov’t

– Symbolic gestures:• Walks to inauguration• Answers White House door• No wig! • Addresses Congress through

letters, not in person– Removes Whiskey Tax and

Alien and Sedition Acts

The gov’t

that

governs

best,

governs

least…

• Downsizing Gov’t– Reduces the size of the Army/Navy– “Mosquito Fleet”

• Stops construction of big warships begun under Adams

• Focuses on small gunboats for coastal defense.

• Used successfully against the Barbary Pirates

• Compromises with the Federalists– Maintains the Bank of the U.S.

• The Last Stand of the Federalists– Election of 1800 marks the beginning of

the end for the Federalist Party– Judiciary Act of 1801 and the Midnight

Judges• Outgoing Federalist Congress passes the

Judiciary Act – creates 16 new courts• Adams appoints Federalist judges to fill

vacancies…lifelong appointees• John Marshall as Chief Justice

Louisiana Purchase• Jefferson’s

vision for America

• Negotiations with Napoleon– New Orleans– Louisiana?– Less than 3

cents per acre• Jefferson’s

quandry & Federalist opposition

• Benefits of the LP