The Early Republic and Jefferson’s “Empire for Liberty" Flashcards
What shaped the development of the United States in the 1790s?
~Competing Visions: Jefferson v. Hamilton
~Political Parties
—Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans
~The Elections of 1796 and 1800
~Jefferson’s Presidency
—Jefferson & the Enlightenment
—Church and State
—Louisiana Purchase
A Fraught Compromise
slides:
~The Constitution created a “middle ground” between order and liberty
~Significantly strengthened federal authority
—National legislation declared supreme law of the land (in theory)
—Reined in the states
—New powers delegated to Congress
~The Constitution did not solve the issue of state v. federal sovereignty
research:
The Constitution represents a fraught compromise that sought to establish a middle ground between the imperatives of order and liberty while significantly strengthening federal authority. By declaring national legislation the supreme law of the land, it aimed to rein in the states and ensure a cohesive legal framework across the nation. This shift included new powers delegated to Congress, allowing for greater federal oversight and action. However, despite these advancements, the Constitution did not fully resolve the contentious issue of state versus federal sovereignty, leaving ongoing tensions that would continue to shape American governance and political discourse.
Competing Visions
Thomas Jefferson:
~Vision: Agrarian democracy; yeoman farmer
~Against the proposition that the federal government should assume state debts
~Farming > Manufacturing
~Democratic-Republican Party (founder)
-didn’t think the government could regulate slavery
-envision this republic of independence
-believed crops would be the main export
-idea of farming-based economy
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Alexander Hamilton:
~Vision: Strong central government
~supports the proposition that the federal government should assume state debts
~Founds First Bank of the United States
~Federalist Party
-he wanted to boost trade to reduce national debt, so he tried to implement banks
-believed that states should contribute to reducing debt and war bonds
-wants it to be a military power
-wanted industrial, trade
Whiskey rebellion
~taxes!
Whiskey taxes
Whiskey taxes have a significant place in American history, particularly highlighted by the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. The federal government, seeking to raise revenue to pay off war debts, imposed an excise tax on whiskey, which angered many farmers and distillers in the western frontier who relied on whiskey production for income. The tax was seen as unfair, disproportionately affecting rural communities, leading to protests and ultimately armed resistance. The rebellion was a critical test of federal authority, as President George Washington sent troops to suppress the insurrection, reinforcing the power of the federal government to levy taxes. This event underscored the tensions between state and federal interests, illustrating how tax policies can provoke significant social and political unrest.
The Whiskey Rebellion, which occurred from 1791 to 1794, was a violent tax protest in the United States during George Washington’s presidency. It arose in response to an excise tax imposed on distilled spirits, particularly whiskey, as part of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s plan to centralize and stabilize the national economy.
Western Pennsylvania farmers, who often converted their excess grain into whiskey for easier transport and sale, viewed the tax as unfair and burdensome. The rebellion escalated when farmers began to refuse to pay the tax and even resorted to intimidation against tax collectors.
In 1794, Washington decided to take decisive action, viewing the rebellion as a challenge to federal authority. He mobilized a militia force of about 13,000 troops, which effectively ended the uprising without significant bloodshed. The government’s response demonstrated its commitment to enforcing federal law, but it also highlighted the tensions between rural and urban interests, as well as issues of taxation and representation that would continue to shape American politics.
Washington’s Farewell Address
~Set a two-term precedent for the presidential office
~Warned against European alliances
~Denounced political parties
research:
In his Farewell Address, George Washington set a two-term precedent for the presidency, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the concentration of power in any one individual. He also cautioned against forming permanent alliances with European nations, warning that such entanglements could draw the United States into foreign conflicts and undermine its sovereignty. Furthermore, Washington denounced the divisive nature of political parties, arguing that they could foster factionalism and weaken national unity. His address served as a guiding framework for future leaders, highlighting the need for caution in foreign affairs and the importance of maintaining a cohesive national identity free from the divisive influences of partisan politics.
Election of 1796
~Party System:
—Federalists (Adams) v. Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson)
~John Adams becomes the 2nd President of the United States (1796-1800)
~Jefferson becomes Vice President
~Neither Adams nor Jefferson campaigned: it was considered a “silly and wicked game”
research:The election of 1796 marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of the American party system, pitting the Federalists, led by John Adams, against the Democratic-Republicans, headed by Thomas Jefferson. John Adams was elected as the second President of the United States, serving from 1796 to 1800, with Jefferson assuming the role of Vice President. Interestingly, neither Adams nor Jefferson actively campaigned for their positions, as they viewed campaigning as a “silly and wicked game” that undermined the dignity of the office. This election was notable not only for its political rivalry but also for being the first in which political parties played a significant role, setting the stage for future electoral contests and the evolving dynamics of American politics. The outcome highlighted the emerging ideological divisions within the young nation, foreshadowing the intense political battles to come.
The XYZ Affair and Quasi-War
~France felt betrayed by the Neutrality Proclamation
—French navy seized U.S. ships suspected of trading with Britain
~The XYZ Affair
—U.S. sent committee to mend relations with France
—French diplomats (“X,” “Y,” and “Z”) demand bribe before negotiations; American envoys refused to pay
~The Quasi War
—Never formally declared
—Increased anti-French sentiments amongst Americans
research:
The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident that escalated tensions between the United States and France in the late 1790s. France, feeling betrayed by the U.S. Neutrality Proclamation, began seizing American ships suspected of trading with Britain. In an attempt to mend relations, the U.S. sent a committee to negotiate with the French government, only to be met with a shocking demand for a bribe from French diplomats, referred to as “X,” “Y,” and “Z.” American envoys refused to pay, leading to a surge of anti-French sentiment across the nation. This diplomatic strife contributed to the Quasi War, an undeclared naval conflict that saw American and French forces clashing at sea. Although the Quasi War was never formally declared, it intensified nationalist fervor in the U.S. and solidified the rift between the two nations, ultimately shaping American foreign policy in the years to come.
The Alien and Sedition Acts
~Alien Laws
—Made it legal for the federal government to remove citizens of other countries if the U.S. was at war with that nation
—Intended to keep French radicals and their ideas out
~Sedition Laws
—Criminalized libel and slander against the federal government
—Implicitly outlawed opposition parties
~Republican Reactions
—Jefferson and Madison deemed Acts unconstitutional
—Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
research:
The Alien and Sedition Acts, enacted in 1798, represented a controversial response to perceived threats from foreign influences and domestic dissent. The Alien Laws authorized the federal government to deport citizens of other countries deemed undesirable, particularly targeting French radicals amidst rising tensions with France. Simultaneously, the Sedition Laws criminalized libel and slander against the federal government, effectively stifling opposition and dissenting voices. These measures drew sharp criticism from figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who deemed them unconstitutional. In response, they crafted the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, which asserted that states had the right to nullify federal laws they considered unconstitutional. This clash highlighted the growing divide in American politics and raised critical questions about civil liberties and the limits of governmental power.
Election of 1800
~Federalists lost their previous majority
—What if Jefferson and Adams had campaign ads? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_zTN4BXvYI
~Jefferson won
—First peaceful transfer of political power between two parties
research:
The election of 1800 marked a significant turning point in American politics, as the Federalists lost their previous majority to the Democratic-Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson. If campaign ads had existed at the time, they might have vividly depicted the stark contrasts between the candidates—Adams representing a strong central government and Jefferson advocating for states’ rights and individual liberties. Jefferson’s victory not only showcased the power of grassroots campaigning and the appeal of his vision for America but also signified the first peaceful transfer of political power between two parties in U.S. history. This transition underscored the strength of the democratic process and set a precedent for future elections, highlighting the resilience of the young republic despite deep political divisions. Jefferson’s win was a testament to the evolving political landscape and the growing importance of popular support in shaping the nation’s leadership.
Jefferson’s “Empire of Liberty”
~Jefferson believed a nation’s economy influenced it’s government
—Manufacturing → wage dependency → political corruption
—Farming → self-sustaining → political independence
~The Louisiana Purchase
—More land for farmers
—Clashes with native polities
—Expansion of slavery
research:
Thomas Jefferson’s vision of an “Empire of Liberty” was deeply rooted in his belief that a nation’s economy directly influenced its governance. He argued that a focus on manufacturing created wage dependency, which could lead to political corruption, while an agrarian society of independent farmers fostered self-sufficiency and political independence. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 exemplified this vision, as it provided vast tracts of land for farming, enabling more citizens to cultivate their own livelihoods. However, this expansion also brought significant challenges, including clashes with Native American polities and the contentious expansion of slavery into new territories. Jefferson’s ideal of a republic of independent yeoman farmers, while ambitious, highlighted the complex interplay between growth, economic structure, and the moral dilemmas posed by expansion in a diverse and often tumultuous landscape.
Church & State in Early America
~1st Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
—States took different approaches to religion
—Massachusetts: keeps Congregational church as established church until 1833
—Virginia: Church of England disestablished
~Jefferson’s 1802 “Danbury Letter”
—Uses the phrase “wall of separation” between Church and State
research:
The relationship between church and state in early America was characterized by significant variation among the states, particularly in their approaches to religion. While the First Amendment established a fundamental principle of religious freedom by stating that Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, the implementation of this principle varied widely. For example, Massachusetts maintained the Congregational Church as the established church until 1833, reflecting a more traditional approach, while Virginia disestablished the Church of England, promoting a more pluralistic view. In this context, Thomas Jefferson’s 1802 “Danbury Letter” became a pivotal moment in American discourse on the issue. In the letter, Jefferson famously articulated the idea of a “wall of separation” between church and state, emphasizing the need to protect religious freedom from governmental interference. This phrase has since become a cornerstone of the debate over religious liberty in the United States, underscoring the ongoing struggle to balance individual rights with the diverse practices of faith in a growing nation.
Separationists
~Wanted to separate church and state
~Two different arguments
—Religion is bad for the state (Jefferson)
—State is bad for religion (Danbury Baptists)
Accommodationists
~Religion is necessary for the health of the state
~John Adams: Civil State with wither without established religion
~MA Constitution: “the happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government, essentially depend upon piety, religion and morality.”
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a landmark event in American history that took place in 1803. The United States, under President Thomas Jefferson, acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation. This land stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada.
The acquisition was driven by several factors, including the desire for westward expansion, control of the Mississippi River, and access to New Orleans, a crucial port for trade. France, under Napoleon Bonaparte, was facing difficulties in the Americas and needed funds for wars in Europe, making the sale possible.
The purchase was made for about $15 million, which is roughly four cents per acre. It raised constitutional questions about presidential power and the interpretation of the Constitution, as Jefferson had to reconcile his strict interpretation with the broad implications of the purchase.
Overall, the Louisiana Purchase was a significant step in shaping the United States, paving the way for westward expansion and the exploration of new territories, including the famous Lewis and Clark expedition.
democratic-republican party
The Democratic-Republican Party was founded in the early 1790s by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison as a response to the policies of the Federalist Party, particularly those of Alexander Hamilton. The party advocated for a more agrarian society, states’ rights, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, opposing the strong central government favored by the Federalists.
The Democratic-Republicans gained significant support in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, appealing to farmers, rural citizens, and those wary of federal power. They promoted ideas like expansionism and the belief in the “common man.” The party was instrumental in the election of Jefferson as president in 1800, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.
Throughout its existence, the Democratic-Republicans faced internal divisions and challenges but dominated American politics for several decades. By the 1820s, the party began to fracture, leading to the emergence of new political factions, eventually paving the way for the Democratic Party and the Whig Party.
