Welcome to part three! This time, it’s time for one of America’s most important figures to take the stage. Let’s dive into the administration of Thomas Jefferson:
First inauguration – 4th March 1801
The 4th March 1801 ushered in a new age as Thomas Jefferson took the oath of office at his first inauguration. John Adams declined to take part, and Washington had died over a year earlier. Sworn in by Chief Justice John Marshall, Jefferson would oversee an era known as ‘Jeffersonian Democracy.’
Pardon of David Brown and others – 12th March 1801
Several men got caught in the crosshairs of the Alien and Sedition Acts, most notably David Brown. Brown was fined and jailed. After serving a year and a half inside, Brown could not afford the $480 fine (roughly $12K in today’s money). President Adams refused to free him. On this day, Jefferson pardoned Brown and everyone else sentenced under the acts.
The First Barbary War begins – 10th May 1801
The First Barbary War started on this day. It was fought between the United States and Ottoman Tripolitania (modern day Libya) over refusals to pay what was essentially a bribe to prevent piracy. The Pasha of the area wanted a higher tribute and the Americans refused. War was then declared, and would last for four years.
First State of the Union Address – 8th December 1801
Jefferson’s first State of the Union was delivered on this day. As he believed that reading it aloud was too monarchical, he has it read out in his stead. Issues raised in it included the Barbary War, Native American relations, taxation and the judiciary.
Signed the Military Peace Establishment Act – 16th March 1802
The Military Peace Establishment Act was signed on this day, and would establish what would become the United States Military Academy at West Point. West Point would educate a number of celebrated soldiers such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton and John J. Pershing. The act, however, did also reduce the size of the military.
Marbury v. Madison is decided – 24th February 1803
On this day, one of the most important Supreme Court cases was decided. Marbury v. Madison had been brought about by a Federalist named William Marbury, who had been promised a commission by John Adams. When Jefferson won the 1800 election, he instructed Madison not to deliver this commission. A furious Marbury filed a lawsuit in response. In deciding the case, the Supreme Court established the lasting legacy of judicial review. This meant that the Supreme Court had the power to strike down any laws deemed unconstitutional and that the United States Constitution is the preeminent law of the land.
Ohio joins the Union – 1st March 1803
Ohio became the 17th state on this day. It would become an extremely influential state over the years, becoming a swing state in elections and delivering seven presidents- the most of any save Virginia.
Lewis and Clark depart – 14th May 1804
Thomas Jefferson had been greatly interested in the exploration of the country. Following the acquisition of these lands, Jefferson sent noted explorers Merriwether Lewis and William Clark along with a contingent of others, to chart these lands. On this day, the two men departed from their base in Illinois.
The Twelfth Amendment is ratified – 15th June 1804
Previous rules saw electors cast two votes for their choice of president, with the man coming in second becoming vice president. This had caused problems in the two elections, which saw a tie in one case and a dislike between the president and vice president in two. Concerned about this happening again, legislators decided to deal with it via the Twelfth Amendment. After its ratification by New Hampshire, it reached the threshold and was thus ratified.
Alexander Hamilton dies – 12th July 1804
Former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton had been a thorn in Jefferson’s side for years. He’d nevertheless supported Jefferson over old friend Aaron Burr in the Election of 1800, believing him to be the lesser of two evils and a man of at least some principle. Burr had been furious and the relationship between the pair rapidly deteriorated. After Hamilton insulted Burr in an article and refused to apologise, Burr demanded satisfaction in the form of a duel. They headed to New Jersey as duelling was illegal in New York. What the two men really planned to do is unknown, but Burr did shoot Hamilton on the 11th July 1804. Hamilton lingered for a little over a day before dying on the 12th. The shooting of a prominent citizen by the vice president horrified many, and Burr became a wanted man.
The Louisiana Purchase essentially becomes effective – 1st October 1804
All of the lands gained in the Louisiana Purchase were sorted on this date, and Upper Louisiana went from a military district to a civil one. Louisiana would not be admitted to the Union until 1812. The Louisiana Purchase saw the size of the United States doubled.
Jefferson officially wins re-election – 5th December 1804
On this day, the presidential electors cast their ballots. With Aaron Burr no longer in contention thanks to the Twelfth Amendment, George Clinton was chosen as Jefferson’s running mate. Jefferson easily beat Federalist rival Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
Second inauguration – 4th March 1805
Jefferson had his second inauguration on this day. He was once again sworn by Chief Justice John Marshall at the US Capitol Building.
Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean – 15th November 1805
On this day, Lewis and Clark finally reached the Pacific Ocean, mounting an important part of their expedition.
The building of the National Road is authorised – 29th March 1806
The building of the important National Road was authorised on this day. The National Road, which would be started in 1811 and finished in 1837, would become an essential part connecting the east and west of the United States.
Signed the Non-Importation Act – 18th April 1806
In the early 19th Century, the British had a habit of seizing American ships, which led to American sailors coming under impressment. Annoyed at this, American legislators created a bill which would ban the importing of certain British goods. Jefferson signed it. This did not work and tensions continued all the way up to the War of 1812.
Lewis and Clark return -23rd September 1806
Over two years after Lewis and Clark set off on their expedition, they arrived back in St. Louis. Their expedition had succeeded, allowing a fantastic understanding of geography, nature and society that influences our knowledge to this day. Only one man- Charles Floyd- died, with Lewis dying in 1809 and Clark in 1838.
Monroe-Pinkney Treaty is signed – 31st December 1806
The tensions between the United States and Britain had continued after the failure of the Non-Importation Act. Diplomacy continued nonetheless, with the United States being represented by Minister to the United Kingdom James Monroe and his eventual successor William Pinkney. The Monroe-Pinkney was eventually signed on this day. It was never ratified and helped the conditions that led to the War of 1812.
Aaron Burr is arrested – 19th February 1807
Aaron Burr probably hoped to keep his head down after killing Alexander Hamilton, but that wasn’t meant to be. In 1805, Burr headed West. It was there he met several figures who would become important in this conspiracy, such as Harmon Blennerhassett and General James Wilkinson. Whilst what was discussed has never been revealed, those opposed to Burr believe he was partaking in a conspiracy to create an independent country within the new lands gifted by the Louisiana Purchase. The smoking gun was the so-called Cipher Letter, sent on the 29th July 1806. Eventually, Burr’s continued involvement saw him become a wanted man. He escaped initial capture, but was arrested on the 19th February 1807.
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair – 22nd June 1807
On this date, American vessel USS Chesapeake went up against the British HMS Leopard off the coast of Virginia. The Leopard had attacked the Chesapeake, and her captain, James Barron, was forced to surrender. Barron was court martialed and relieved of command, whilst one sailor was hanged for desertion. The sudden attack angered and energised the public. It was yet another factor that would lead to the War of 1812.
Aaron Burr is acquitted – 1st September 1807
The Burr trial was a major political event. The former vice president was accused of treason, and being found not guilty would certainly see him hanged. Despite strong attempts from Jefferson to convict Burr, it was clear from the start that most people thought that Burr was innocent of the crimes. This included Chief Justice John Marshall who was overseeing the trial and who recognised it as a presidential grudge. Burr was thus found not guilty on this day.
Signs Embargo Act of 1807 -22nd December 1807
Following the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, Jefferson tried his hardest to bring the British to heel. He didn’t want to create a military response, so decided that economics was the best way to do this. The Embargo Act of 1807, signed on this date, was an attempt to pressure Britain (and France) into laying off American ships. This did not work, and was yet another step towards the War of 1812.
Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves comes into effect – 1st January 1808
Thomas Jefferson is well-known for being a slave owner, and even fathered children by Sally Hemings (his wife’s half-sister no less). Despite his vast holdings, Jefferson did wrestle with the question of slavery’s morality. In 1807, The Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves was signed. This act, which came into force on this date, banned the importing of slaves from outside of the United States. Whilst Southerners worried about how this would affect them, it in fact encouraged domestic slavery, and smuggling continued. It also kicked the can down the road for many more years.
Non-Intercourse Act is signed – 1st March 1809
Britain and France were still meddling with American ships despite the Embargo Act of 1807. On this date, Jefferson signed the Non-Intercourse Act, lifting the embargo on American ships unless they were headed to British or French ports. This once again paved the way to the War of 1812.
Inauguration of James Madison – 4th March 1809
After two terms in office, Thomas Jefferson passed the mantle of the presidency to friend and prodigy James Madison. He headed home to Monticello, where he would live another seventeen years. He would die on the 4th July 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and hours before frenemy John Adams, with whom he’d reconciled.
That’s it for Thomas Jefferson. Tune in next week for James Madison, in which we’ll see him deal with a whole lot of war, the White House burning and BOTH vice presidents dying.
