Sasso US I The Revolution of 1800

The Election of 1800 The Federalists: Adams (MA) Pinckney (SC) The Republicans: Jefferson (VA) Burr (NY)

The Revolution of 1800 As a Vice President in the early era of American politics, TJ had basically had four years off during Adams term No real responsibilities for the VP; this is both good and bad for TJ He would certainly run for President again in 1800, and his time as VP allowed him to further develop the Republicans Based on his work with the VA and KY Resolutions, TJ will base the Republican platform on opposing sedition and opposing heavy taxation He will try to prove that the federal government had become far too powerful under Federalist control

The Revolution of 1800 Campaign got ugly fairly fast Both Adams and TJ tried to keep it dignified, but their supporters would not allow that (sound familiar?) Federalists tried to portray TJ as a dangerous radical who would eliminate credit, debt, navy, etc. Tried to convince voters that TJ would destroy the country Compared TJ’s followers to the radicals of the French Rev Republicans tried to portray Adams as a tyrant with hopes to become a king Also said that Adams planned to crush human liberty Campaign also hit candidates on the personal front; this was the first time Jefferson’s involvement with Sally Hemmings was widely circulated

The Revolution of 1800 The Republicans knew that they needed to win more votes in the North Needed the immigrant vote (which they should have) and laborers Burr went to work in NYC, mobilizing the Tammany Society Didn’t exactly use polite politics… The Republicans took the city, and ultimately the state

The Revolution of 1800 Adams campaign was derailed by his own Party Many Federalists turned on him during his first term Hamilton (and his followers) supported Pinckney Some frustrated Federalists flipped to the Republicans The Alien and Sedition Acts had not helped his cause

The Revolution of 1800 The election was very close with NY being the difference maker However, there is a complication Jefferson and Burr tie at the top with 73 electoral votes Some shady business going on By law, the House of Reps has to chose between the candidates

The Revolution of 1800 This makes things even more interesting, because the House was controlled by the Federalists Tough for them to decide; in their mind they have to go with lesser of 2 evils Takes 6 days and 36 ballots to decide House ultimately goes with TJ (thanks to Hamilton)

The Revolution of 1800 This is a pretty unhappy spot for the Federalist to be in They lost the Presidency (have it until March 1801) They lost the majority in Congress (have that until April 1801) The only thing they could possibly maintain control of is the Judiciary; so that’s where the Federalists will get busy Judiciary Act of Greatly increases the number of federal judgeships Who appoints federal judges? The President Adams remaining time in office will be spent filling these positions with as many Federalists as possible- the most significant being John Marshall (VA) These men are referred to as the “Midnight Appointments”

The Revolution of 1800 So what makes it a Revolution? Republicans see this as the beginning of a new era, one where America returns to its true principles Victors joyfully view their future, and put a lot of importance on the defeat of the Federalists TJ is a totally different type of guy to be President Hates crowds, speeches, dirty politics Much more of a Renaissance Man Wants to downplay the glamour and power of the President Things will be very different…