1. The Jefferson Era,
1800–1816
The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson shapes the U.S. government. The Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812 strongly affect the nation.
Detail of William Clark with Shoshone guide Sacagawea at Three Forks of the Missouri in 1805.

2. Jefferson Takes Office
When Jefferson becomes President in 1801, his party replaces Federalist programs with its own.

3. Breaking the Tie House of Representatives break Burr/Jefferson tie
Federalists control the House of Representatives
Some Federalists fear Jefferson’s views

4. The Talented Jefferson
Jefferson has many talents:
- advises Washington D. C.
architects
- skilled violinist, horseman,
scientist, devoted reader
Book collection becomes core for the Library of Congress

5. Jefferson’s Philosophy
• Jefferson wants to unite Americans, promotes common life style
• Wants U.S. to remain a nation of small, independent farmers
• Believes such a nation upholds strong democratic values
• Believes in a modest role for the central government

6. Undoing Federalist Programs
• Jefferson seeks to end many Federalist policies:
-allows Alien and Sedition Acts to
end
-reduces number of Federal
employees, government debt

7. Undoing Federalist Programs
He reduces size of Army and Navy and halts constructions of new Naval ships.
But he kept a couple things still in place:
-Treasury Secretary Gallatin wants to keep National bank
-Gov’t continues to pay off state debts
from Washington’s presidency.

8. New Cabinet Albert Gallatin-Secretary of Treasury
James Madison-Secretary of State

9.
(Louisiana Purchase)
(Hamilton-Burr Duel)

10. The Louisiana Purchase and Exploration
Jefferson purchases the Louisiana Territory in 1803 and doubles the size of the United States.

17. The West in 1800
• Many settlers move to region between Appalachians, Mississippi River, 1 million by 1800
• Kentucky, Tennessee become states (1800), Ohio becomes state (1803)
• France, Spain want Louisiana Territory, Britain claims land in region

18. Louisiana Purchase
Louisiana Territory between the Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains
Spain settles California, Russians settle Pacific coast
Americans want and need free use of Mississippi River and New Orleans’ port

19. Spain gives Louisiana Back to France
In 1800, Spain signs treaty with France giving them back. Louisiana.
Jefferson knew Napolean wanted to conquer Europe.
Napolean needed Louisiana to grow food and ship it to French Islands in the West Indies.
A revolution in Haiti caused these plans to change.

20. Jefferson decides to try and buy Louisiana
Jefferson sends Livingston and Monroe to buy New Orleans and West Florida. from Napoleon. They had $10 million they could spend.
They meet with Talleyrand, the French Foreign Minister.

21. Offer They Can’t refuse
After losing Haiti, Napoleon gives up on America and needs money.
Talleyrand now asks Livingston and Monroe if the U.S. wanted to buy all of the Louisiana Territory.

22. Livingston offers $4 million
The Deal
Livingston offers $4 million
Talleyrand says it was too low and they should “Reflect and see me tomorrow.”
They agreed to pay $15 million for Louisiana even though they didn‘t have the authority to do so.

23. “From this day the United States take their place among the powers of the first rank.”

24. Was the Purchase Constitutional?
Nowhere in the Constitution does it give the president the power to buy land.
Jefferson’s rationale - President has the power to make treaties.

25. Louisiana Purchase Treaty Passed
The Senate approved the Treaty and it went into effect in 1803.
The size of the nation has now doubled.

27. This sets the stage for…

28. But he doesn’t know the territory..
1803, Congress provides money to study new lands
Jefferson chose his private secretary Meriwether Lewis to head expedition (long voyage of exploration)
Lewis asks William Clark to go with him

29. Jefferson’s Plan for Lewis and Clark
Map a route to Pacific Ocean
Geography of the Territory
Climate/Plants/Animals
Learn about Native Americans nations and trade with them

30. Learn about Native American Nations
He wanted to trade with them like English, French, and Spanish did.
Tell the Native Americans of “our wish to be neighborly, friendly, and useful to them”

31. Corps of Discovery
Lewis and Clark pick approximately 50 men to join expedition on basis of: character, strength, hunting skills, and ability to survive in wilderness.
Group included York, a slave, who had been Clark’s companion since boyhood.

32. May 1804
Lewis and Clark start up the Missouri River from St. Louis. They are going upstream.

33. The broad grassy plains marveled them.

34. Animals of the Plains
Buffalo
Antelopes
Deer
Elk

35. They met various Indians
They brought many gifts
Peace medals stamped with US seal
Mirrors
Beads
Knives
Blankets
Sewing needles
fishhooks

36. They meet Sacajawea
While staying with the Mandans in present day North Dakota they were worried about how to cross the Rockies.
Sacajawea, a Shoshone Native American, agreed to accompany them with her French Canadian husband.

37. Sacajawea
Knew about healing qualities of plants and herbs.
Her presence with her baby showed other Native Americans they encountered that the expedition was friendly.

38. Early Spring 1805
Sacagawea guides the expedition over the Rockies.
They met some Shoshones including Sacajawea’s brother.
They supply food and horses and helped them get over the Rockies.

39. In the Rocky Mountains, the expedition crossed the Continental Divide-mountain ridge that separates river systems flowing toward opposite sides of the continent.

40. November 7, 1805
Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean.
A year later, they return to St. Louis.

41. Zebulon Pike
From Zebulon Pike explored the upper Mississippi River, Arkansas River, and parts of what is now Colorado and New Mexico.

43. Pike’s Peak
In 1806, Pike viewed a mountain peak rising up above Colorado plains.

44. Pike
Pike ends up going southward into Spanish territory.
He was arrested and all of his maps were taken.
He hid a map in the barrel of his gun.

45. Louisiana became a state in 1812.
Settlers moved westward into the Louisiana territory. westward.
Louisiana became a state in 1812.