1. The Constitution and the New Republic
American History, Brinkley
Chapter 6

2. A Union Without Power
1780s

3. 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 ( )
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

4. 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

5. 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. 2

6. England kept troops on U.S. soil after 1783
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 16

7. A Series of Crises Led to a Call for a Stronger National Government
Newburgh Conspiracy (1783)
Uprising in Pennsylvania
Shays’ Rebellion ( )

8. 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

9. 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

10. Shay’s Rebellion: A Crisis Leads to a New Constitution
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

11. 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

12. 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 13

13. Western Land Claims Ceded by the States

14. Land Ordinance of 1785 13

15. Northwest Territory

16. Creating the Constitution 1787 Philadelphia

17. 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 14

18. 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 15

19. “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?”

20. 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

22. 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

23. 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 7

24. 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)

26. http://www.history.com/videos/america-gets-a- constitution#america-gets-a-constitution

27. 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?

28. 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 20

29. 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 21

30. 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
3. Executive Power ---the office of the presidency
(View Yale Lecture)

31. Yale Open Courses Joanne Freeman Creating the Constitution
Compromises (last 10 minutes)

32. “ I do not, gentlemen, trust you
“ 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

33. On the Compromise over Slavery
“Great as the evil is, a dismemberment of the Union would be worse.” James Madison

34. 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 22

35. 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” 23

37. Compare the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution
institutions/comparison-of-constitution-and-articles-of- confederation.html

38. 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.

39. Who Were the Federalists?
Supported the Constitution and a stronger central government
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington 26

40. 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 25

41. 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

42. 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.”

43. Who Wrote the Federalist Papers?
he-founding-fathers-unite

44. 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

45. Ratification of the Constitution

46. 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 27

47. Alexander Hamilton’s Reaction to the demand for Bill of Rights
“The Constitution is itself…a BILL OF RIGHTS!”

48. 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

49. 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)

50. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and the New Republic, Admit Slip: Tristan IDs
Chapter 6

51. 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 support your opinion.

52. 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?

53. 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”

55. 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”

56. 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

57. 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)

58. 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) 3 3

59. Washington’s Cabinet Alexander Hamilton- Secretary of the Treasury
Thomas Jefferson— Secretary of State
Edmond Randolph— Attorney General
Henry Knox—Secretary of War

60. 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

61. 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.)

62. 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 2 2

63. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson

64. 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 4 4

65. 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 5 5

66. 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 6 6

67. 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.

68. Hamilton’s Funding and Assumption Plan
Funding: Congress would redeem federal certificates of debt at face value
Assumption: federal government would purchase states' debts 7 7

69. 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 8 8

70. Did the Constitution Allow for the Formation of a National Bank?
Read Jefferson’s Opinion on the Bank

71. Did the Constitution Allow for the Formation of a National Bank?
Thomas Jefferson ---NO
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
Strict Interpretation
Unconstitutional—Congress does not have this power
Power granted only to the states

72. National Bank Debate
on/sfeature/scenes_02_qt_hi.html -

73. 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.

74. Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania (1794)

75. 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? 10 10

76. 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 11 11

77. 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 12 12

78. 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 13 13

79. Spain and Jay’s Treaty
Spain interpreted Jay's Treaty as Anglo-American 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 15 15

80. Conquest of the West

81. 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 16 16

82. 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. 18 18

83. 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

84. Two Parties in Office

85. 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 19 19

86. John Adams Video Clip
“An Unnecessary War
0:00—3:00

87. 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 20 20

88. 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 21 21

89. 1798 Matthew Lyon vs Roger Griswold

90. 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 22 22

91. 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 23 23

92. 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?

93. 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 24 24

94. 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” 25 25

96. 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? 26 26

97. 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.

98. REPUBLICAN ASCENDANCY: THE JEFFERSONIAN VISION
Chapter 7

99. 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.”

100. Just how “DEMOCRATIC” was Jefferson?
Question
Just how “DEMOCRATIC” was Jefferson?

101. 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 6

102. Trouble with the Barbary States

103. 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 10

104. 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. 13

105. ****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.

106. 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. 14

107. 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 2

108. The Louisiana Purchase

109. 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 7

110. 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. 9

111. A Proclamation to the People of New Orleans, 1803 (In three languages)

113. http://www.history.com/topics/meriwether- lewis/videos#louisiana-purchase-doubles-size-of- america

114. LA Purchase: Is It Constitutional?
presidents/videos/jefferson-expands-executive- power#jefferson-expands-executive-power

115. 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
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.
Meriweather Lewis considered the expedition a failure. There was no river system connecting the interior of the U.S. to the west coast. Inn other words, a Northwest Passage to China (C Columbus had been seeking) The area was dry and not suitable for farming and many of the Natives were hostile to intruders.
Meriweather Lewis died in a mysterious incident at a tavern on the Natchez Trace –murder or suicide? 8

116. The Louisiana Purchase and the Route of Lewis and Clark

117. http://www.history.com/videos/lewis--clark- expedition-charts-new-territory

120. 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 16

121. 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.” 17

122. 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
Napoleon Bonaparte—who Jefferson referred to as the “Great Beast” had gone to war once again against the British. France blockaded the British Isles. The British responded with a counter blockade and once again the American merchant ships were caught in the middle.
In just a 4 year period, the British seized 500 American ships the French seized 300
The tensions between the Americans and the British came to a head in 1807 when the British frigate Leopard stopped the Americans frigate Chesapeake to demand the return of British deserters rumored to be among the American crew. The Chesapeake, which was not prepared for battle, refused the British demand—believing the British would not resort to force. But they did. The Leopard opened fire on the Chesapeake killing 3 Americans and wounding 18. The British then boarded the ship and hauled off 4 sailors –three of them American citizens.
The Chesapeake incident created a firestorm of outrage even greater than the XYZ Affair but Jefferson had no fleet at hand (thanks to his own policies) to take on the greatest naval power in the world. Instead he broke off trade with BOTH France and Britain thinking this would teach them a lesson. 19

123. 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
Jefferson thought the French and the British were so dependent on American agricultural products that they would both cave in to American demands for freedom of the seas. But it didn’t quite work out that way. The Embargo Act of 1807 nearly crippled the U.S. economy and by 1808 Jefferson had stopped trying to enforce it. 20

124. James Madison Elected President