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Election of 1800 VUS.6a
This was one of the most important elections in our history. It would be the first time that political power was transferred between opposing parties peacefully (proving that our republic could work), but it also showed a serious flaw in the electoral college which would need to be fixed by the 12th Amendment. Read MORE about this “revolutionary election”. -
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Thomas Jefferson's Administration
We already remember Thomas Jefferson as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, and the Statute for Religious Freedom, and the leader strict-constructionist who opposed Hamilton’s economic programs. Read HERE about Jeffersonian Ideals. -
Fighting Pirates on the Barbary Coast (VUS.6c)
A problem for American shipping was the pirates along North Africa, who regularly hassled merchant vessels. Jefferson dispatched the navy to attack Tripoli and bring an end to the practice of attacking American commerce. June 10, 1805 the hostilities had ended, proving the US would not allow itself to be pushed around! Learn MORE about this undeclared war. -
Marbury v. Madison VUS.5e
Under the John Marshall court, the Supreme Court ruled for the first time to overturn a federal law by declaring it unconstitutional. This was the first time that JUDICIAL REVIEW had been used – and this power within checks and balances made the judicial branch co-equal to the legislative and executive. Read MORE about this court decision. -
Louisiana Purchase VUS.6b
Interest in securing the Port of New Orleans, and protecting American shipping rights on the Mississippi River, Jefferson’s administration negotiated the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 Million. This doubled the size of America, and secured safe transportation to farmers out west. Learn MORE. -
Lewis and Clark Expedition VUS.6b
Thomas Jefferson needed to find out what he bought – the Lewis and Clark Expedition (beginning on this date) was to explore the Louisiana Purchase, attempt to locate a water route to the Pacific Ocean, and document their scientific discoveries. Read MORE about this fact-finding mission! -
Sacajawea joins the party VUS.6b
(or Sacagawea) As a wife of the Frenchmen who was to help guide the Lewis and Clark Expedition, her abilities to guide, translate, and negotiate proved incredibly valuable for the success of the mission. She even gave birth along the way – making her son the youngest “ambassador” in American History. -
Robert Fulton uses the Steam Boat VUS.6b
America’s first successful steamship, The Clermont, was introduced. The use of steam as a source of power would prove a huge economic impact, as goods could move along river routes more quickly which would encourage migration and expansion. Read MORE about Robert Fulton! -
Embargo Act against the British VUS.6b
In a desperate attempt to avert war, the United States imposed an embargo on foreign trade. Jefferson regarded the embargo as an idealistic experiment--a moral alternative to war. He believed that economic coercion would convince Britain and France to respect America’s neutral rights. This will eventually help lead to WAR with Britain. MORE
