The Constitution and the
New Republic
American History, Brinkley
Chapter 6
A Union Without
Power
1780s
What were the Articles of
Confederation?
The nation’s “first constitution” written during the Rev War to created
a central government uniting the nation in a “loose” confederation of
independent states (1776-1777)
War for independence required cooperation among states
The states were VERY suspicious of a strong central government, so they
gave only limited power to the new government under the Articles of
Confederation
Three Major Debates Over the Articles: 1. Representation?
2. Taxation?
3. Western Lands?
Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1777 and ratified in
1781
The Articles were intended to
….
Create “ a firm league of
friendship…for their common
defense, the security of their liberties,
and their mutual and general
welfare.”
States retained most of the power
Problems the New Nation Faced
when the Revolutionary War Was
Over (1783)
The states and the Congress were deeply in debt
The Congress had no power to tax Americans
Paper money issued during the war was worthless
The Continental Army had not been paid
Inflation had driven up the price of goods in the colonies (190% to 500%)
Per capita income during the war years fell (equivalent to the Great
Depression)
U.S. no longer enjoyed the protection of the British navy or trade with Great
Britain
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had
almost no power to address the problems facing the young nation.
And it got worse ………
England kept troops on U.S. soil after 1783
Spain closed New Orleans to American
commerce in 1784
Several states were involved in turmoil over
local issues and problems with neighboring
states
States are no longer united by the war
The young nation was under a great deal of
stress and Americans began to protest
A Series of Crises Led to a Call for a
Stronger National Government
Newburgh Conspiracy (1783)
Uprising in Pennsylvania
Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787)
Newburgh Conspiracy, 1783
Men who had served in the Continental Army were not paid by
the Congress and refuse disband until they are paid
A letter circulated calling for a meeting in Newburgh New York.
Some believed the soldiers were staging a coup
George Washington arrived and put down the rebellion before
the troops took action
Pennsylvania Uprising
1783 Pennsylvania soldiers were sent home without pay
and they march on the state house in Philadelphia
They barricaded members of the Confederation
Congress in the state house
The Confederation Congress moved to Princeton, New
Jersey
Shay’s Rebellion: A Crisis Leads to
a New Constitution
1786-87 Farmers in Massachusetts were concerned that their land
would be seized for taxes and to pay off debts
Took action: Wrote petitions, staged demonstrations, and argued
they were being forced to pay unfair taxes.
They feel their liberty is being attacked
They feel their property is being threatened
Daniel Shays led 1,000 troops and marched on court houses to shut
down the court system. Local militia refused to act.
A privately funded army put down the rebellion
Major Weaknesses of the Government
Under the Articles of Confederation
Confederation Congress did not have enough power to:
1. levy taxes
2. conduct foreign affairs in an effective manner
3. raise an army or navy in times of crisis
4. resolve disputes between states and regulate interstate
commerce
5. issue paper money and regulate the monetary system
6. make decisions and take action in a timely manner
Northwest Ordinance: The Articles of
Confederation's Major Achievement
 Created 3-5 new territories in
Northwest
 Population of 5,000 may elect
Assembly
 Population of 60,000 may petition for
statehood
 Slavery outlawed in the new territories
Western Land Claims Ceded by the
States
Land Ordinance of 1785
Northwest Territory
Creating the Constitution
1787
Philadelphia
Problems with the Articles of
Confederation
The Confederation had inadequate
authority over interstate affairs.
The Confederation had little
authority to regulate the national
economy.
Weak foreign policy
Could not raise an army
Congress could not deal with inflation and war
debts
Congress had no power to tax
Failure to pay soldiers sparks “Newburgh
Conspiracy” (squelched by Washington)
Shay’s Rebellion leads to fear of mob action
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton
and the Nationalists consider the Articles
hopelessly defective—they call for reform
“Have We Fought for This?”
By 1785 the country seemed
adrift
Washington:“Was it with these
expectations that we launched
into a sea of trouble?”
Constitutional Reform: It all
began over trade…
In 1785 representatives from Virginia and Maryland met to deal
with problems over navigation rights and commerce on the
Potomac River
In 1786, delegates from a 5 states met in Annapolis to discuss
trade issues: The Annapolis Conference
Shays’ Rebellion began the same year.
Nationalists James Madison and Alexander Hamilton send an
invitation to the states to send delegates to Philadelphia the
following year to “revise” the Articles of Confederation
James Madison: “Father of
the Constitution”
Before the convention began, James Madison spent months
researching the history of all confederacies throughout all recorded
history.
When he arrived in Philadelphia, he had a vast amount of
knowledge of the pros and cons of confederations and national
governments.
***Madison also arrived in Philadelphia with a PLAN for a NEW
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. His Virginia Plan provided the
foundation for the Constitution
The States: Experiments in
Republicanism
The people demanded written constitutions
provided clear definition of rights
described clear limits of government
A clear break from the unwritten English constitution
Revolutionary state constitutions served as experiments in
republican government
Ideas from state constitutions and experiences were later
used to construct a stronger central government
Constitutional Convention,
1787
55 delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia in the summer of
1787—Rhode Island refused to attend.
George Washington was selected to preside over the convention.
Ben Franklin was a major figure at the Convention
Those who did not attend: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
Patrick “I smell a rat” Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock
(Reading from A Brilliant Solution)
http://www.history.com/videos/america-gets-aconstitution#america-gets-a-constitution
The Big Question: POWER
POWER—where should it power reside?
Can a government of men be trusted with power?
Which governing bodies should hold power?
How do we balance power and liberty?
How do we keep power in check?
How much power belongs to the states and how much
belongs to the federal government?
Inventing a Federal Republic: The
Virginia Plan
***James Madison’s plan for a stronger central
government was introduced and set the agenda for the
convention
Edmund Randolph presents the plan.
Established three branches of government to balance
power and “check” each other
Bicameral legislature of representatives
Representation based on population
Chief executive (president) appointed by Congress
Small states objected to large-state dominance
Inventing a Federal Republic:
The New Jersey Plan (Small State Plan)
Small states angry over issue of
representation based on population
Each state would have one vote in a
unicameral legislature
Executive Committee would be
elected by Congress
Supreme Court selected by the executive
Three Major Compromises At the
Constitutional Convention
1. Great Compromise ---over Representation between
large states and small states
2. Three fifths compromise –slavery and
representation.
Compromise over slavery between the North and
South
o
3. Executive Power ---the office of the presidency
o
(View Yale Lecture)
Yale Open Courses
Joanne Freeman
Creating the Constitution
Compromises (last 10 minutes)
“ I do not, gentlemen,
trust you. If you possess
the power, the abuse of
it could not be
checked….”
---Gunning Befdord, Delaware, speaking
to the large state delegates
On the Compromise over
Slavery
“Great as the evil is,
a dismemberment of
the Union would be
worse.”
--James Madison
Compromise Saves the
Convention
Each state was given two delegates in the
Senate--a victory for the small states
House of Representatives based on population-a victory for the large states
Three-fifths of the slave population counted
toward representation in the House—a victory
for Southern states
Compromising on Slavery
Issue of slavery threatened Convention
Northerners tended to be opposed
Southerners threatened to bolt if slavery
was addressed
They agreed to set aside the issue of slavery
until 1808
“The Silence”
Compare the Articles of
Confederation to the
Constitution
http://ocw.usu.edu/university-studies/u-sinstitutions/comparison-of-constitution-and-articles-ofconfederation.html
The Struggle for Ratification
Supporters recognized the Constitution
went beyond the Convention’s mandate—
they had overstepped their boundaries
The document was sent to the states—and
the fight for ratification began
9 states were required for ratification, but
the support of the large states was critical to
the success of the new government.
Who Were the Federalists?
Supported the Constitution and a
stronger central government
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton,
George Washington
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Opposed the Constitution
Distrusted any government removed from
direct control of the people (states)
Suspected the new Constitution favored the
rich and powerful
Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George
Mason
What were the Federalist
Papers? (1787-88)
85 essays written to defend the new
Constitution
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James
Madison, and John Jay
Pseudonym “Publius”
• They were published in New York
newspapers in order to influence the New
York ratification debate
Federalist Paper #14
“WE HAVE seen the necessity of the Union, as
our bulwark against foreign danger, as the
conservator of peace among ourselves, as the
guardian of our commerce and other common
interests, as the only substitute for those military
establishments which have subverted the liberties
of the Old World, and as the proper antidote for
the diseases of faction, which have proved fatal to
other popular governments, and of which alarming
symptoms have been betrayed by our own.”
Who Wrote the Federalist
Papers?
http://www.history.com/topics/constitution/videos#t
he-founding-fathers-unite
Progress of Ratification
Succeeded in winning ratification in 9 states
by June 1788
Holdouts included: New York, Virginia, North
Carolina, and Rhode Island
New York and Virginia were critical to the
success of the Constitution
Virginia and New York ratified under
pressure and with the promise of a Bill of
Rights
North Carolina ratified in1789
Rhode Island ratified in 1790
Ratification of the Constitution
Adding the Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalist activism led to
the addition of a Bill of Rights
Nationalists promised to add a
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments were
added by December 1791
Alexander Hamilton’s
Reaction to the demand for
Bill of Rights
“The Constitution is
itself…a BILL OF
RIGHTS!”
The Constitution
Reading Assignment: “The US Constitution:
America’s Most Important Export “
by Albert Blaustein
The global impact of the US Constitution
Read, annotate, and formulate a reply
Reading and Annotating the
US Constitution
Commerce Clause
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
Supremacy Clause (Linchpin of the Constitution)
Slavery and the Constitution (2 Key Passages)
George Washington, John
Adams, Thomas Jefferson and
the New Republic, 1788-1800
Admit Slip: Tristan
IDs
Chapter 6
George Washington: “The
Reluctant President” Ron
Chernow
Read and annotate the document.
1. Americans did not quite know how to honor their new president, so
they often resorted to royal traditions. Highlight behaviors that reflect
royal traditions and efforts by the American people to celebrate their
new leader.
2. Be sure to note the reception Washington received as he arrived in
New Jersey and entered New York.
3. Make notes in the margin on the inauguration: How did Washington
prepare for the ceremony? What did he wear and why? Where did the
ceremony take place and what was the historical significance of this
particular building? What precedents were set at the first inauguration
for future presidents to follow? Describe Washington’s demeanor on
inauguration day.
4. After reading the article, do you believe Washington was truly a
“reluctant president?” Find several pieces of evidence in the article to
Key Questions:
How did the government take shape in
the years following the ratification of the
Constitution?
How did early leaders translate the
Constitution into a working government?
What led to the formation of political
parties in the United States?
What should we call our
President?
1789
“His Highness, the President of the United States and
Protector of their Liberties”—John Adams
“His Elective Majesty”
“His Excellency”
George Washington
Fought in the French and Indian War
Virginia Planter and slave owner
Land Surveyor
Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
Revolutionary War Hero
Presided over the Constitutional Convention
Unanimously elected first President of the U.S. in 1788 by 69
electors
“Founding Father”
Washington Administration
(1789-1797)
 Domestic Issues:
Bill of Rights adopted
Judiciary Act of 1789
Setting up a Presidential Cabinet
Emergence of Political Parties
Managing the National Economy***
Whiskey Rebellion
Securing Western Lands
Conflict With Native Americans continued
Foreign Affairs:
French Revolution began in 1789
Staying out of war between France and England
Proclamation of Neutrality
Citizen Edmond Genet (French)
British Troops on US Soil
Jay’s Treaty (Britain)
Pinckney’s Treaty (Spain)
Establishing a New
Government, 1789-1801
George Washington was unanimously elected president,
1789
VP –John Adams
Washington’s reputation helped legitimized new
government. He set many precedents for those who followed.
Washington’s assumptions:
all would work together for the common good
voters would defer to "betters" in political affairs—(it didn’t
quite work out that way)
Washington’s Cabinet
Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury
Thomas Jefferson—
Secretary of State
Edmond Randolph—
Attorney General
Henry Knox—Secretary of
War
Two More Tasks
1. Judiciary Act of 1789
Set up the Judicial Branch
Supreme Court=6 members
John Jay was the first Chief Justice
Set up 13 federal district courts
Gave the Supreme Court the power to
review state court decisions
2. Passed the Bill of Rights
Video: Founding Brothers 9-34
1. What role did each person in Washington’s Administration
play in establishing the new government?
2. Who was the most influential cabinet member? Explain.
3. What led James Madison to change his political opinions
on centralized government?
4. Describe the political deal that led to the location of the
national capital (Washington, D.C.)
Federalists vs. Republicans
(chart)
The First Party System
Root cause of the formation of political parties was the differences
in political ideology among Americans.
The immediate cause was the debate over the national economy
Federalists (Hamiltonians) stressed a strong central government
and national economy to preserve U.S. independence
Republicans (Jeffersonians) preferred an agrarian economy and
small, local government
Parties agree on ends, differ about means
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas
Jefferson
Conflicting Visions:
Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of the Treasury
Believed strong central government
preserves national independence
Envisioned U.S. as an industrial power
based on manufacturing
Feared democracy would lead to
anarchy
Conflicting Visions:
Thomas Jefferson
Secretary of State under
Washington
Believed limited government
preserves liberty
Envisioned U.S. as an agrarian
nation
Trusted the common people
Hamilton's Plan for National
Prosperity and Security
A plan to pay off a federal debt
of $54 million, additional state
debt of $25 million
1.Proposed "funding,"
"assumption" of debt
2.Proposed national bank
3.Proposed government aid to
manufacturing
Hamilton’s Three Reports on the
Economy of the New Nation
1. Report on the Public Credit
2. Report on a National Bank
3. Report on Manufactures
Hamilton designed our national economy.
Hamilton’s Funding and
Assumption Plan
 Funding: Congress would redeem federal certificates of debt at
face value
 Assumption: federal government would purchase states' debts
Interpreting the Constitution: The
Bank Controversy
Hamilton proposed a national bank privately owned=Bank
of the United States
To regulate finance
A place to deposit government funds
Help regulate state banks
To provide quick access to funds in time of crisis
Major Question: Did the Constitution allow for the creation
of the national bank?
Jefferson and Madison argued the bank was
unconstitutional
Hamilton defends constitutionality through doctrine of
“implied powers”—a “loose” interpretation of the
Constitution
Congress charters Bank, 1791
Did the Constitution Allow for
the Formation of a National
Bank?
Read Jefferson’s Opinion on the Bank
Read Jefferson’s Opinion on the Bank
Did the Constitution Allow for the
Formation of a National Bank?
Thomas Jefferson ---NO
Strict Interpretation
Unconstitutional—
Congress does not have
this power
Power granted only to the
states
Alexander Hamilton---YES
Loose Interpretation
Hamilton defends
constitutionality through
doctrine of “implied
powers” granted by
the elastic clause”allowed Congress to
make all laws
“necessary and
proper.”
Congress charters Bank,
1791
National Bank Debate
www.pbs.org/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hamilt
on/sfeature/scenes_02_qt_hi.html -
Whiskey Rebellion, 1794
A tax placed on whiskey
Farmers in Pennsylvania protested and
intimidated tax collectors
Washington led a militia of 13,000 to
stop the rebels: there would be no violent
resistance to U.S. policies.
Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania
(1794)
Washington Administration: The Battle
over Foreign Affairs
In Europe …
French Revolution begins, 1789
France and England go to war
Division over foreign policy divides nation
Jeffersonian Republicans favor France
Hamiltonian Federalists favor England
U.S. was still bound by a treaty with France: Would the
US become involved in the conflict between the
European powers?
The Problem of Neutrality
Franco-British War began in 1793
England violated American sovereignty—maintained military
posts in the Northwest Territory
England seized 300 American merchant ships
Jefferson: wanted to punish England by cutting off trade
Hamilton: wanted to appease England
Washington: proclaimed U.S. neutrality
Neutrality Proclamation of 1793
Edmond Genet, French Diplomat insisted the U.S. support
French efforts
Jay's Treaty Sparked
Domestic Unrest
John Jay went to England to demand:
removal of the English from American soil
payment for ships illegally seized
better commercial relations
acceptance of US neutrality
Hamilton secretly informed the English the U.S. was not
firm in their demands
Jay’s Treaty won few concessions-Americans were
extremely angry and divided over the treaty
George Washington accepted the treaty
Jay's Treaty Sparks
Domestic Unrest (2)
Senate ratified the treaty by smallest
possible margin
Newspapers viciously attacked the
treaty
Republicans and the press criticized
Washington
Nation rallied behind Washington
Federalists branded Republicans as
traitors
Spain and Jay’s Treaty
Spain interpreted Jay's Treaty as AngloAmerican alliance against Spain
Out of fear, they negotiated the Treaty of
San Lorenzo (Pinckney’s Treaty)
Spanish opened the Mississippi to U.S.
West
Settled border dispute between Florida
and U.S.
Spanish stopped supplying the Indians
Conquest of the West
Popular Political Culture
Political “parties” condemned as factions
Many Americans were worried that the nation had lost its
unity, its Revolutionary purpose
Federalists and Republicans suspect each others’ loyalty
Party members thought it a patriotic duty to destroy opposing
party
Washington's Farewell
Washington was not limited to two
terms, but he stepped down
1796--announces decision to retire
He warned against political parties
and foreign alliances.
Washington’s Precedents and Legacies
First Presidential Cabinet
Delivered an Inaugural Address
Served 2 only terms
Helped determine the location of the nation’s
capital
Farewell Address –Washington warned of the
dangers of political parties and foreign
entanglements
Two Parties in Office
The Adams Presidency
1796-1800--Federalists control
government
VP –Jefferson (Republican)
Major Issue: Avoiding war with France
Adams kept most of George
Washington’s cabinet including
Alexander Hamilton
But the Federalists party is divided over
the conflict with France
John Adams Video Clip
“An Unnecessary War
0:00—3:00
The XYZ Affair and Domestic
Politics
Jay’s Treaty prompts France to treat U.S. as
unfriendly nation
U.S. diplomatic mission to France fails when three
French officials (X, Y, and Z) demand bribe
Provokes anti-French outrage in U.S
“Millions for defense, but not one cent for
tribute.” Americans begin to prepare for war.
Quasi-War: French fire on U.S. ships, seize U.S.
ships
Federalists attempt to crush Republicans by
branding them as pro-French
America and France on the Brink
of War (1798-1800)
Federalists began to build up the army
Washington was recalled to command the army
but he placed Hamilton in charge
Hamilton wanted a declaration of war against
France
Adams refused to ask Congress for war
1798 Matthew Lyon vs Roger
Griswold
Silencing Political Opposition: The
Alien and Sedition Acts, 1798
Alien Enemies Act, Alien Act gave the
president power to expel any foreigner
The Naturalization Act required U.S.
residency of fourteen years for citizenship
Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the
government
Federalist appointees in federal courts
enforced Sedition Act in absurd ways
Republican Reaction: The
Kentucky and Virginia
Resolutions, 1798
Republicans saw Alien and Sedition Acts as dire
threat to liberty
Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions– suggested
states may nullify unconstitutional federal law
Madison's Virginia Resolutions--urged states to
protect their citizens
Purpose of resolutions: to clarify differences
between Republicans and Federalists and draw the
lines between state and federal power
Read and Annotate: Alien
and Sedition Acts, KY
Resolutions
Read, annotate, and underline key passages that explain
the power given to the Federal government to take action
against “aliens” and critics of the Federal government.
What punishments might these people receive?
Read, annotate, and underline key passages in the
Kentucky Resolutions. What are the primary arguments
presented in the document?
Adams: His Finest Hour
In 1799, Adams broke with Hamilton (George
Washington died)
Adams negotiated a settlement with France
War hysteria against France vanished
Alexander Hamilton's army was viewed as a useless
expense
The decision cost Adams the election in 1800, but
kept the young nation out of war with France
The Peaceful Revolution:
the Election of 1800
Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr received the
same number of electoral votes.
House of Representatives threw the election to
Jefferson on the 36th ballot.
Hamilton labeled Burr “the most dangerous man in
the community.” (Burr later killed Hamilton in a
duel.)
John Adams packed the judicial system with last
minute appointments of Federalist judges –
”Midnight Appointees”
The Revolution of 1800:
Jefferson takes office
The election of 1800 was one of the most
important in U.S. history.
The transfer of power from Federalists to
Republicans was achieved peacefully.
Often referred to as the “peaceful revolution”
Jefferson attempted to unite nation by stressing
values shared by each party “We are all
republicans, we are all federalists.”
Why was this considered an important event in
global history?
HBO: JOHN ADAMS
The Election of 1800 is considered one of the most important in US
history with the peaceful transfer of power from one political party
to another.
REPUBLICAN ASCENDANCY:
THE JEFFERSONIAN VISION
Chapter 7
The “Revolution of 1800”
Burr and Jefferson tie in the election of 1800
Alexander Hamilton supports Jefferson
Jefferson, Republican, takes office with Burr as VP
Peaceful transfer of power from one party to another
Inaugural address: “We are all Republicans, we are all
Federalists.”
Question
Just how
“DEMOCRATIC” was
Jefferson?
Jefferson Dismantles Federalist
Policies
Abolished all internal taxes (whiskey tax)
Reduced government spending
Cut federal debt almost in half
Reduced the size of the army and navy
50%
Retired most of the navy’s warships
(Critics claimed he left the nation defenseless)
He tried removed the “midnight appointees”-judges
appointed by Adams
Trouble with the Barbary
States
Conflict With the Barbary
States
North African states (Pasha of Tripoli) demanded
tribute from ships sailing in Mediterranean
Jefferson dispatched U.S. fleet to “negotiate through
the mouth of a cannon”
U.S. ends up paying $60,000 for the release of U.S.
sailors
Attack on the Judges:
Marbury v. Madison
Jefferson tried to deny Federalist Marbury his
judgeship.
Marbury took his case to the Supreme Court
which ruled the court had no authority to order
James Madison to deliver the commission. They
ruled the Judiciary Act of 1789 was
unconstitutional.
***Under Chief Justice John Marshall in
Marbury v. Madison (1803) the ruling established
the Supreme Court’s right of judicial review of
federal legislation and executive action.
****Marbury v. Madison
Judicial Review
Established one of the most important principles
of American constitutional law: The right of
judicial review.
. The Supreme Court held that the Court itself has
the final say on the meaning of the Constitution
(interpretation and application) as well as the
power to nullify an act of Congress.
Attack on the Judges:
Impeachments
1803--Federalist John Pickering impeached,
removed for alcoholism and insanity
Republicans began to fearing the destruction of an
independent judiciary.
Jefferson made the situation worse by seeking to
impeach Federalist Supreme Court Justice Samuel
Chase
The Republican Senate refused to convict Chase.
No attempt has been made since to restructure the
court through impeachment.
Westward: The Course of
Empire
Intense migration to West after 1790
New States included
Kentucky--1792
Tennessee--1796
Ohio—1803
***Water transportation was essential to westward
expansion and New Orleans connected these
markets to the world
The Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase
1801--France bought Louisiana from Spain
1803--Jefferson sent diplomats to France to buy
New Orleans
Napoleon offered to sell all of Louisiana for $15
million (4 cents an acre)
The Constitution is vague on Congressional authority
to purchase LA
****Jefferson abandons his position of a “strict”
interpretation of the Constitution to purchase LA
territory
The Louisiana Purchase (2)
Louisiana inhabitants were French & Spanish
Jefferson denies them self-rule=“Taxation without
representation”
Louisiana was governed from Washington
This was another Jeffersonian departure from
Republicanism
The boundaries of the territory are not clear.
A Proclamation to the People of New Orleans,
1803 (In three languages)
http://www.history.com/topics/meriwetherlewis/videos#louisiana-purchase-doubles-size-ofamerica
LA Purchase: Is It Constitutional?
http://www.history.com/shows/thepresidents/videos/jefferson-expands-executivepower#jefferson-expands-executive-power
The Lewis and Clark
Expedition
Lewis and Clark Expedition was commissioned
prior to purchase of Louisiana
Expedition left St. Louis May 1804 and returned in
1806.
They were gone for 21/2 years and covered 8,000
miles.
Sacagawea, Shoshone Indian guide
Both men agreed the area beyond the Missouri—
though rich in resources--was not fit for settlement.
The Louisiana Purchase and the Route
of Lewis and Clark
http://www.history.com/videos/lewis--clarkexpedition-charts-new-territory
Murder and Conspiracy: The
Curious Career of Aaron Burr
Vice-President Aaron Burr breaks with Jefferson
1804--Burr seeks Federalist support in 1804 New York
governor’s race
Alexander Hamilton blocks Burr’s efforts
Burr kills Hamilton in a duel
The Burr Conspiracy
Burr fled to the west after Hamilton duel
Some believed Burr planned to invade Spanish territory and
convince western states to secede from the union.
Burr was arrested and tried for treason
John Marshall acquitted on Constitutional grounds of
insufficient evidence
He fled to England but returned years later to live as an
outcast in the U.S.
“The wickedest man alive.”
Embarrassments Overseas
1803--England and France resumed war (Napoleonic Wars)
American ships were subject to seizure:
Between 1803 and 1807, the British seized 500 American ships and
France seized 300.
Impressments=seizing U.S. sailors for service in English navy
(Chesapeake-Leopard Incident)
Jefferson refused to declare war. Instead, he cut off trade with
France and England instead.
Embargo Act of 1807-Jefferson’s alternative to war
Embargo Act (1807) Divided the
Nation
Embargo Act prohibited American ships from leaving the
U.S. for any foreign port.
Embargo crippled the American economy.
American exports dropped from $108 million in 1807 to $22
million.
Imports dropped from $138 million to $57 million.
Merchants declared bankruptcy, jobs were lost, banks
closed
Jefferson lifted the embargo
James Madison Elected President