Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency 1801-1809

The Beginning March 4, 1801 Thomas Jefferson is the first President inaugurated in the new capital city of Washington D.C. Jefferson brings his simple and laid back style to the presidency. He delivers his first inaugural address. This address outlines what he feels are the essential principles of government.

First Inaugural Address Essential Principles of Government “equal and exact justice to all men” “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations” “the support of state governments” “the preservation of general government” punishment for those who choose to revolt compliance with the decisions of the majority

First Inaugural Address Essential Principles of Government Cont… “a well disciplined militia” (reduce navy)-why? honest payment of debts maintaining a sound economy proper distribution of information freedom of religion freedom of the press we are ALL republican and federalist

Undo-Federalist Policy The Sedition Act had expired, but President Jefferson Pardoned all who were in jailed or fine because of this Act. Alien act: was changed by the “naturalization act of 1802,” which returned the time an immigrant had to wait to become citizen to 5 years.

What about the Economic policies of hated Hamilton? Under the new secretary of treasury Albert Gallatin, president Jefferson: Kept the bank of the United States Raised the Tariff Repealed only the tax, as Jefferson felt it affected only low income Americans. This cost the government about a million dollars in revenue. Was able to reduce debt by keeping a tight and balanced budget. Jefferson kept most of Hamilton’s Economic Policies, including parts of the Hamilton Plan. Believed in Laissez-Faire and free market policy. Is the Laissez faire policy in line with Jefferson’s believe?

Madison Vs. Marbury President Adams passed the Judiciary act of 1801, this appointed many new judges to high courts around the country. Including the very Federalist chief justice, John Marshall. When Jefferson took office he asked his secretary of state James Madison to “shelve” some of the designations. The federalist William Marbury sued James Madison. The Judiciary Act of 1789, stated that the supreme court had to settle disputes between government officials. However, Judge Marshall dismissed the case claiming that the task assigned by the Act of 1789 was unconstitutional. they are known as midnight judges, because it is said that Adams appointed them well into the last night of his presidency.

In this self-denying verdict, Marshall claimed that the supreme court should not settle disputes between officials. This verdict strengthened the Supreme Court and create Judicial Review. Under Judicial Review, it is the supreme court’s task to determine if a law is constitutional or not. This undermined Jefferson’s Kentucky and Virginia Resolution which said it was up to the state to determine the constitutionality of a law.

Original Map can be found at: Barbary Wars May 1801 Pasha of Tripoli informally declares war with the US because President Jefferson refused to continue to pay for protection. On the 20th Peaceful Jefferson had to send the first naval fleet to the area. After intermittent fighting, the US wins. Jefferson commissions the building of tiny gunboats to protect US coast. Map of the Barbary Wars Original Map can be found at: http://www.mariner.org/usnavy/caption_pages/06a_BarbaryWars.htm

Louisiana Purchase Napoleon convinced the Spanish to give the Louisiana territory to the French. Why? The US does not find out until the access to New Orleans is shut. Would you want Napoleon as your neighbor? Jefferson sends Monroe to join Livingston in Paris to buy New Orleans and any land west of Mississippi for $10 million. What if the French denied? Prepare for war? Seek alliances? France loses control of its most profit producing colony- Haiti Napoleon decided to sell Louisiana to the US, needs money to maintain empire and War with Britain.

Louisiana Purchase April 30, 1803 Robert Livingston & James Monroe signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty in Paris The United States paid $15 million for the land, roughly 4 cents per acre The purchase added 828,00 square miles of land west of the Mississippi to the United States July 4 the Louisiana Purchase is publicly announced Original treaty can be found at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals_iv/sections/louisiana_purchase_treaty.html

Maps of the Louisiana Purchase The original maps can be found at: http://www.washington.edu/uwired/outreach/cspn/hstaa432/lesson_4/louisiana.html

Lewis and Clark Expedition January 18, 1803 Jefferson asks Congress for funds to explore the land west of the Mississippi His goal is to find a water route to the Pacific May 1804 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark depart on the expedition Map of Lewis and Clark’s Route Original map can be found at: http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/archive/maptrack_b.html

Lewis and Clark Expedition 34 people parted including their Shoshone guide: Sacajawea 1 explorer died in Iowa. 2.5 year expedition- horses and walking. Important observations- wildlife, territory, resources, inhabitants. Reached the pacific.

Lewis and Clark Expedition January 18, 1803 Jefferson sends a secret message to congress regarding the Lewis and Clark Expedition In this message Jefferson asks for permission to establish trading with the Indians The original message can be found at: http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=17