Jefferson Ascendency

1. Jefferson Ascendency A.P. U.S. History Mr. Krueger

2. Contradictions? • William Jenson – an Englishman living in the US for 13 years encountered true Jefferson Republicans. • They were: self – confident, assertive, blatantly racist, and never to be delegated to low states. • Negatives to Jeffersonian thought was those who spoke of equal opportunity and liberty often owned slaves.

3. Regional Identities • Began to form strong regional identities • South , New England, West • Improved Transportation (internal improvement) allows geographic expansion • Canals, Waterways, roads • No trains yet…

4. Western Conquest • After the Revolution, many journeyed west and “squatted” – claimed land by living on it. • Waterways are essential transportation • New States and territories join the Union • Western folkways emerge • Western Heroes • Daniel Boone – fur trader – Native American Fighter • Mike Fink – Keelboatman of the Mississippi River

5. Native Americans • Ravages on the frontier: • Disease • Lack of unity • Selling huge tracks of land for whiskey and trinkets • Shawnee leaders were disgusted by the sales • Tecumseh – attempted to revitalize native culture • Settlers felt this was a threat – crushed his thoughts of cultural renaissance • Jefferson talked of creating a vast reservation west of the Appalachians

6. Tecumseh • http://www.edwindearborn.com/tecumseh-poem-a-quote-to-live-by/

7. Commercial Capitalism • Pre 1810 – America was directly involved in Agriculture • Agricultural fairs economically important • Merchant Marine was important for shipping • During Jeffersonian Democracy – cities functioned as depots for international trade

8. Republican Ascendancy • Jefferson ran for office to: • Reduce the size of the Federal Government • Repeal the Alien and Sedition Acts • Maintain international peace • Had close ties with congress • Carefully selected the members of his cabinet • James Madison – Sec. of State • Albert Gallatin – Sec. of Treasury – understood federal budget • TJ Reforms • Top priority was cutting the national debt – nat. debt was dangerous to republican institutions • Must repeal direct taxes – whiskey tax

9. Republican Ascendancy • Gallatin linked federal income to commerce – as long as commerce flourished, the nation had revenue • Ordered substantial cuts in national budget • Jefferson closed some embassies in Europe and cut military spending • He believed this would foster peace • State militias could protect the country • Some federalists resign – would not bow to the commons.

11. Louisiana Purchase • Jefferson thought Spain would sell Louisiana and Florida to the US, and he was prepared to use force. • 1801 – Spain transferred title to France • Napoleon was intent on reestablishing his empire in North America • Ended Haiti rebellion through military might • From here, he could occupy New Orleans and close the Mississippi River • Potential War • Jefferson hopes they can purchase the city, sends James Monroe to join American minister Robert Livingston in Paris. • When Monroe arrived, Napoleon already gave up on American Empire, his troops fell to tropical diseases (30,000 died) • Napoleon announced “Damn sugar, Damn coffee, Damn colonies” • He renounced Louisiana

13. Louisiana Purchase • Talleyrand (French Minister) offered Louisiana Territory for $15 million – it would double the size of the US • Jefferson did not know if he had constitutional power to acquire territory, but he rushed it to the senate to ratify it. • Recommended a traditional government consisting of appointed officials • Bill barely passed the House of Reps. Opposition from his own party because it imposed taxes without the citizens of Louisiana’s consent. • Some called it complete despotism, and it was contrary to Republican principles

14. Additional Topics • Barbary War • Slave Trade • Embargo Act • War Hawks • Hartford Convention • Treaty of Ghent