5-1: Jeffersonian Democracy 1801-1809

Learning Objectives NAT 1.0 Explain how ideas about democracy, freedom, and individualism found expression in the development of cultural values, political institutions, and American identity. NAT 2.0 Explain how interpretations of the Constitution and debates over rights, liberties, and definitions of citizenship have affected American values, politics, and society. NAT 4.0 Analyze relationships among different regional, social, ethnic, and racial groups, and explain how these groups’ experiences have related to U.S. national identity. MIG 2.0 Analyze causes of internal migration and patterns of settlement in what would become the United States, and explain how migration has affected American life. POL 1.0 Explain how and why political ideas, beliefs, institutions, party systems, and alignments have developed and changed. WOR 2.0 Analyze the reasons for and results of U.S. diplomatic, economic, and military initiatives in North America and overseas. WXT 2.0 Explain how patterns of exchange, markets, and private enterprise have developed, and analyze ways that governments have responded to economic issues.

Key Concepts The United States began to develop a modern democracy and celebrated a new national culture, while Americans sought to define the nation’s democratic ideals and change their society and institutions to match them. The U.S. interest in increasing foreign trade and expanding its national borders shaped the nation’s foreign policy and spurred government and private initiatives.

Jefferson Administration, 1801-1809 Ideals of Jeffersonian Democracy Virtuous small farmer Expansion of education Eventually political equality States’ rights Protection of Bill of Rights Limited government Barbary Wars Harassment of U.S. ships (tribute) Marines sent to fight undeclared war The yeoman farmer best exemplified virtue and independence from the corrupting influence of cities, bankers, financiers, and industrialists. However, until the masses could be educated, political rule needed to be entrusted to an agrarian aristocracy. Jefferson insisted that the president practice republican simplicity, relying on the strength of local and state governments. Pirates off the Barbary Coast, sponsored by the Muslim rulers of North Africa, were harassing U.S. merchants and sailors in the Mediterranean Sea, requiring tribute (a payment) to pass.

Jefferson Administration, 1801-1809 Louisiana Purchase Reason for U.S. Reason for France Dilemma Nothing in Constitution about purchasing land Jefferson violates strict construction Justified purchase as power of president to make treaties Jefferson as a pragmatist—he did it to secure an agricultural society The Louisiana Purchase had its origins in Jefferson’s desire to acquire the port of New Orleans to provide an outlet for Western crops. Napoleon had previously secured Louisiana from Spain and suspended the right of deposit at New Orleans. The purchase would increase America’s economic strength beyond even what Pinckney’s Treaty allowed. The failure of the French Army to suppress Toussaint-L’Ouverture’s slave revolt in Haiti played a key role in motivating Napoleon to sell the Louisiana Territory. Napoleon was unable to defend the territory as long as Britain controlled the seas. He also needed the money to pay for war in Europe.

Jefferson Administration, 1801-1809 Louisiana Purchase Lewis and Clark Expedition Significance Doubles size of U.S. Control of Mississippi River French influence removed Precedent for annexing territory

Conflict with England Origins Neutral Rights Impressment Berlin and Milan Decrees France says US can’t trade with England Orders in Council England says US can’t trade with France Impressment Chesapeake-Leopard Affair In 1803, France and Britain renewed their conflict. France had land supremacy while Britain dominated the seas. U.S. neutrality was adversely affected by the actions of the belligerents. The greatest damage was done by Britain, as they had sea power and interfered with America’s trade. The HMS Leopard demanded the search of the USS Chesapeake off the coast of Virginia. The American captain refused to be boarded, whereupon the British opened fire, boarded, and impressed four sailors.

Conflict with England Embargo Act Goal Provisions Effect Repeal “Peaceable coercion” rather than warfare Deprive England and France of US goods Provisions US ships forbidden to travel to foreign ports Prohibition on exports Effect Destroyed New England commerce Removed agricultural market Derailed US economy Repeal