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Jefferson's Presidency
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Judiciary Act of 1801
In 1801, Adams passed the Judiciary Act, which tried to keep the federal court system in Federalists hands by filling newly created positions with Federalists, who would oppose Jefferson's opinions -
Inaugeration
Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated and gives his inaugural address, which stated his goals for the country -
The Louisiana Territory
The Spanish stopped allowing Americans to use the port of New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi, after transferring the territory to the hands of the French. This had significantly negative effects on America's economy. -
Marbury vs. Madison
William Marbury went to court against James Madison, after Jefferson ordered James Madison not to deliver anymore commissions to the appointees. The outcome was the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review, which stated: That the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, the Constitution must be followed when there is a conflict with any other law, and the judicial branch can declare laws unconstitutional. -
The rebellion of Saint Domingue
The current leader of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, dreamed of a western empire. So, he created a naval base in the Caribbeans, named Saint Domingue. But soon after, a man named Toussaint L'Ouverture led enslaved Africans and other laborers in a revolt. They eventually succeeded, pushed out the French, and established their own government. -
The Louisiana Purchase
After the defeat in Saint Domingue, Napoleon saw that his dreams of a western empire, were inevitably diminished. So, he sent a French official to barter the territory for money, which he was in need of because of his war against Britain. In the end the Louisiana Territory was bought for $15 million to the U.S. -
Federalists Plan to Secede
The Louisiana Purchase brought fear to the Federalists in the Northeast. They feared that the expansion would weaken New England's power over the U.S. So, a group of Federalists in Massachusetts plotted to secede from the Union. -
Hamilton vs. Burr
Alexander Hamilton heard that Burr had secretly agreed to lead New York out of the Union. Hamilton accused Burr of plotting treason. Not long after, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. At the duel, Hamilton refused to shoot at Burr, but Burr shot directly at Hamilton. The shot creating the fatal wound that would kill Hamilton the next day -
The British impressment
The British, in need of more sailors, began to capture American sailors and force them in to the British Navy. This action was called impressment. After learning about the attacks on American ships, many Americans demanded war against Britain. -
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
After the purchase, Jefferson was curious to find what laid in the newly bought land. So he hired Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to document the territory's people, plants, animals. and recommend sites for future forts. As well as, finding and mapping the fabled Northwest Passage. -
War With Tripoli
The ruler of Tripoli asked the United States to pay a greater tribute. President Jefferson refused to pay, so Tripoli declared war on the United States. Soon after, Jefferson sent ships to blockade Tripoli. The war ended after the signing of a peace treaty in 1805. Tripoli agreed to stop demanding tribute, but the United States had to pay $60,000 for the release of the prisoners. -
Pike's Expedition
Zebulon Pike was the second person to be sent on an expedition. He explored the Upper Mississippi River valley and into present-day Colorado. In Colorado, he found a mountain he called Grand Peak, but was renamed to Pikes Peak later on. -
Violating Neutral Rights
During the war between France and Britain, America decided to stay neutral and trade with both parties. But soon, both parties were trying to cut of each other's trade with the U.S. The British blockaded the French coast, while the French seized the ships caught trading with Britain. -
The Embargo Act
The Embargo Act prohibited trade with another country. The act targeted Great Britain, but the embargo banned trade with all foreign countries. The act turned out to be a major bust and was repealed in 1809. -
Following Precedents
Jefferson, following Washington's precedent, and decided not to take a third term in office. So the two new candidates were James Madison for Republicans and Charles Pinckney for Federalists. In the end Madison was elected to become the 4th president of the United States of America.
