The Jefferson Era 1800-1816

Democratic-Republicans Election of 1800 Democratic-Republicans Federalists Thomas Jefferson Democrats thought they were saving the nation from monarchy. Believed the Alien and Sedition Acts violated the Bill of Rights (freedom of speech) John Adams, President Did not want the country to be ruled by radicals.

Election of 1800 – Winner…maybe… Thomas Jefferson (Democrat-Republicans) won! Jefferson received 73 votes and Adams received 65. BUT WAIT!!! Aaron Burr, who the Dem-Rep wanted as Vice President also received 73 votes. What would they do???

Election of 1800 – Who decides? According to the Constitution, the House had to choose between Burr and Jefferson. The Democratic Republicans clearly intended for Jefferson to be president. BUT the new House (Jefferson’s party) would not take control for another few months. Federalists still had control of House but were divided.

Election of 1800 – Breaking the Tie Over seven days, they voted 35 times without declaring a winner. Finally, two weeks before the inauguration, several Federalists were persuaded NOT to vote for Burr. Jefferson was finally elected President and Burr, vice president. Burr would never forget this!

Jefferson’s Philosophy No president has ever matched Jefferson in terms of variety of achievements.

Jefferson’s Philosophy Promoted a common way of life…wanted the us to remain a nation of small independent farmers. Believed a small nation would uphold the strong morals and democratic values found with country living. Repealed many of the Federalist Programs such as the tax that caused the Whiskey Rebellion. He also allowed the Alien and Sedition Acts to expire.

Hamilton-Burr Duel In the 1804 election, the Democratic-Republicans replaced Aaron Burr as their candidate for Vice President. Burr decided to run for governor of New York. Alexander Hamilton (a long time enemy) campaigns vigorously against Burr saying he’s dangerous and should never be trusted.

Hamilton-Burr Duel Burr loses the election and was furious and challenged to Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton refused to duel, but Burr shot him anyway.

Hamilton-Burr Duel Hamilton dies later the next day. Burr is arrested but later aquitted.

FUN FACT (cause I know you love them!) Although Hamilton did not actually want to duel, he did fire! No one knows which man fired first. Historian Joseph J Ellis researched the matter and stated… “Hamilton did fire his weapon intentionally, and he fired first. But he aimed to miss Burr, sending his ball into the tree above and behind Burr's location. In so doing, he did not withhold his shot, but he did waste it, thereby honoring his pre-duel pledge. Meanwhile, Burr, who did not know about the pledge, did know that a projectile from Hamilton's gun had whizzed past him and crashed into the tree to his rear. According to the principles of the code duello, Burr was perfectly justified in taking deadly aim at Hamilton and firing to kill. But did he? What is possible, but beyond the reach of the available evidence, is that Burr really missed his target, too, that his own fatal shot, in fact, was accidental?”

CLOSING Answer the following question in 3-5 sentences: How was Jefferson’s personal life reflected in his political beliefs?