-
Thomas Jefferson begins his first term as president
This event is important because it represents the first peaceful exchange of power between two opposing parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Jefferson was the Democratic-Republican candidate, having strongly opposed Federalist beliefs for many years. Jefferson was the third president, following George Washington and John Adams. He served two terms, leaving office in 1809. -
Period: to
The First Barbary War
In order to protect ships traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, the U.S. paid tribute to the Barbary States on the northern coast of Africa. In 1801, Jefferson refused to give them more money, and Tripoli declared war on the U.S. In 1804, the war was won by the U.S. in a victory at Tripoli Harbor. -
Marbury vs. Madison
One of the first court cases decided by Chief Justice John Marshall, Marbury vs. Madison established the principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the right of the Supreme Court to determine whether an act of Congress violates the Constitution. -
The Louisiana Purchase
Known as the greatest achievement of the Jefferson Administration, The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States. Wanting to buy the city of New Orleans from France, Jefferson sent envoys to Napoleon to offer to purchase this city. Napoleon, needing money for wars in Europe, offered the United States the entire Louisiana Territory for $15 million. -
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new territory the U.S. acquired by means of the Louisiana Purchase. They had to study the area's plants, animal life, and geography, and discover how the region could be exploited economically. Also, Jefferson wanted them to trade with the Native Americans of the region and try to find a "Northwest Passage", or water passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. -
The Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo was a ban on all American vessels sailing for foreign ports. Jefferson created this Act to combat the British impressment of American sailors. He decided to use trade as a weapon against the British. Unfortunately, although, this act stopped Europeans from interfering with American shipping, exports in America went down by 80% in 1808. It devastated port cities. Realizing that it had failed, Jefferson rescinded the Embargo Act near the end of his term by passing the Non-Intercourse A -
Banning of the International Slave Trade
Jefferson passed this bill as soon as the 20-year constitutional ban on slavery was lifted. This act is considered one of the major accomplishments of Jefferson's presidency. -
James Madison takes office
After being Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State for all eight years of his presidency, James Madison won an easy victory in the 1808 election. Madison was the Democratic-Republican candidate, and served two terms, leaving office in 1817. -
Period: to
The War of 1812
In June of 1812, Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war against Britian because of the constant interference with American ships. The country was deeply divided over the war, with the South and West for war with Britain, and the North and East against war. America was not miliatrily or finacially prepared for war, as the northeastern states refused to help pay for the war. In December 1814, with both nations tired of war, the Treaty of Ghent was signed.