Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809
Addressing the Past He “undid” Federalist policies: Allowed the Alien and Sedition Acts to expire Cut the budget: Social budget Military budget Downsized the national bank
Addressing the Present Foreign Policy: Problem: The French and British continue to attack our ships on the high seas The Embargo Acts: Jefferson banned trade with both countries. Result: The economy in the Northeast is ruined. Very unpopular policy.
Addressing the Future The Louisiana Purchase Facts: Jefferson agreed we would buy it from France for $15 million. Not clearly a power of the president in the Constitution. (strict construction?) Sent Lewis and Clark to lead an expedition to explore the land.
Lewis and Clark Led 40+ men on a 2+ year journey across the land. Went all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Made maps and records of flora, fauna, and natives they encountered. Aided greatly by a native guide named Sacagawea.
Significance Doubled the size of the United States Introduced the natives to U.S. rule.