Jefferson’s Presidency

1801-1809

Revolution of 1800

• TJ elected President but there was a tie in the electoral vote ---Aaron Burr and TJ had the same # of electoral votes—house of representatives selects TJ after 36 ballot

• Peaceful transfer of power

Judicary Act of 1801

• Passed by the Federalist Congress—during lame duck session—stuffed judge positions for Federalists---leads to midnight appointments by John Adams

Tripoli Naval War 1801-1805

• US had been paying Tripoli not to interfere with US shipping in the Med. Sea– TJ refuses to pay—war—US Marines attack and take Tripoli—TJ prevails

• How many Marines?

Louisiana Purchase 1803

• Bought by the US from France in 1803. US reps led by James Madison had permission to buy New Orleans $10m

• Napoleon offers all of L for $15m—US reps agree to buy—Madison realizes that this opportunity might not happen again—Madison seizes the offer for the US--TJ approves—submits it to Congress and they also approve of the LP.

Lewis & Clark Expedition 1804-1806

• Explore LP for TJ• Led by Sacajawea—Indian who saves L & C• Journey was by boat where possible. • Go all the way to Pacific Ocean and back—

establishes US claim to Oregon region.• When L & C return they bring detailed

information about the wonders of the LP and beyond.

Aaron Burr Conspiracies

• Killed Hamilton in dual -- 1804• Rumored to try and take over the West— 1806• Burr does not succeed—Burr is turned in by alleged

co-conspirator General James Wilkinson.• Tried by Chief Justice John Marshall—acquitted both

of treason and high misdemeanor –lives in Europe 4 years and returns to NYC to practice law in 1812.

Orders in Council 1806

• UK government authorizes a blockade of France and all its allies

• UK govt authorizes the impressment of sailors to man ships

• UK navy impressed American sailors into Brit navy

Chesapeake Incident 1807

• Navy ship, USS Chesapeake, off coast of US, captured and boarded by Brit navy—taking off US sailors [impressments]

• People in US want WAR

Embargo Act 1807

• US law passed by Congress at request of TJ—kept all US ships in port until impressment issue is settled with UK

• Does not work—Americans unemployed by the OGRABME

• Politically this hurt TJ—Congress repeals law in 1809

Non-Intercourse Act 1809• This law replaced the Embargo Act• It allowed American ships to begin trading with all nations

except Britain and France.• The law allowed the President to re-open trade with Britain

or France in the event either power should cease violating neutral rights.