Rivals and Friends: Jefferson's Presidency, Early Years
Just before Jefferson takes office, Congress reduces the number of justices on the Supreme Court by one and expands the number of federal judgeships. Adams takes advantage of his last days as president to appoint a number of Federalists to these new...
Rivals and Friends: Emergence of a Stronger Judiciary under Justice Marshall
The last minute appointments by the Adams' administration sets the stage for the emergence of a stronger judiciary under the leadership of John Marshall. When the Jeffersonians come into power they repeal the last-minute actions of the previous Cong...
Rivals and Friends: Jefferson as Administrator
Jefferson avoids Adams' mistakes in selecting his cabinet, appointing such talented administrators as Albert Gallatin and James Madison who share his views. In his first administration the Republicans control both houses of Congress, and Jefferson b...
Best Laid Plans...: Jefferson's Vision for America
Thomas Jefferson and his Republican followers have an almost idyllic image of the America they would like to promote--families living on farms and in small villages, working together free from government interference and the industrial squalor commo...
Best Laid Plans...: Initial Impact of Louisiana Purchase
The addition of the Louisiana territory doubles the size of the nation. Few Americans, including Jefferson really know what they have bought or what to do with it. Jefferson sends Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and a few dozen men on an historic...
Best Laid Plans...: Events Leading to Louisiana Purchase
When rumors begin to surface that Napoleon Bonaparte is conducting secret negotiations with Spain to regain title to Louisiana, Jefferson is alarmed. A strong European power at the mouth of the Mississippi could have devastating effects on the futur...
Best Laid Plans...: Economic Vitality
Despite their intentions, almost nothing works out as Jefferson and his followers planned. During their years in power, the young republic develops in ways they could not have envisioned. The most striking aspect of American society in these early d...
Best Laid Plans...: Second Great Awakening
In the 1790s only a small portion of white Americans belong to a traditional church. The new theologies that are emerging reflect modern scientific attitudes and de-emphasize the role of God in the world. But beginning in 1801 traditional religion ...
Best Laid Plans...: War of 1812
In the summer of 1812 American forces invade Canada through Detroit, but are soon forced to retreat. Fort Dearborn in Chicago is also captured. Harrison leads the counterattack in the West while Andrew Jackson pursues the tribes of the Southwest. Th...
Best Laid Plans...: Madison's Presidency
The election of James Madison as president in 1808 continues the procession of Republican presidents from Virginia, although the Federalists capture an increased number of votes. In his final days in office Jefferson signs a bill that lifts the emba...