Thomas Jefferson Did Jefferson abandon his principles for the good of the nation?
I. The Adams Presidency XYZ Affair Adams sent diplomats to France b/c they were raiding U.S. ships French demanded bribe Quasi-war w/ France Undeclared naval conflict Alien and Sedition Acts Targeted Democratic Republicans Violated 1 st Amendment Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Nullification – argued that states could cancel a national law States’ rights
II. Election of Bitter campaign between Jefferson and Adams -Republicans tied in the Electoral College -House of Representatives chose Jefferson -Peaceful transition from one political party to another
Election of 1800
Jefferson’s Inaugural Address “We have called by different names brethren of the same principles. We are all republicans—we are all federalists.” “…peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none…” “…the support of the State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against antirepublican tendencies…” “…a well disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war, till regulars may relieve them; the supremacy of the civil over the military authority…” “…encouragement of agriculture, and of commerce as its handmaid…”
III. Jefferson’s Principles Had faith in the common man (the farmer) Repealed Naturalization Act and allowed Alien and Sedition Acts to expire Repealed the excise tax on liquor Reduced military spending and the national debt Supported states’ rights
IV. Louisiana Purchase Doubled size of US Increased access to natural resources, waterways, etc. Promoted Westward Expansion Jefferson: Strict Loose Construction of Constitution Increased struggle b/w North and South over expansion of slavery. More Indian conflicts Lewis and Clark expedition