The "Dirty" Campaign of 1800
Supporters of both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, candidates for president in 1800, resorted to using nasty personal attacks. For example, John Callender, a Jefferson backer, said of President Adams, "In the fall of 1796, the country fell into a more dangerous juncture than almost any the old confederation ever endured. The tardiness and timidity of Mr. Washington were succeeded by the rancour (bitterness) and insolence (arrogance) of Mr. Adams...Think what you have been, what you are, and what, under Adams, you are likely to become."
Defenders and supporters of Adams were just as vicious. Yet, in spite of the campaign's nastiness, the election ended with a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. Like most presidential elections, the two parties differed greatly concerning their ideas of the role of the government.
Defenders and supporters of Adams were just as vicious. Yet, in spite of the campaign's nastiness, the election ended with a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. Like most presidential elections, the two parties differed greatly concerning their ideas of the role of the government.
The Election of 1800
The two political parties that battled it out in 1800 were the Federalists, led by President Adams, and the Democratic-Republicans, represented by Thomas Jefferson. Each party believed the other was endangering the Constitution and the American republic.
The Democratic-Republicans thought they were saving the nation from monarchy and oppression. The made arguments against the Alien and Sedition Act, a law supported by the Federalists, that it violated the Bill of Rights. The Federalists, on the other, hand warned that radicals (people with extreme viewpoints) were about to ruin the nation.
In the election, the Democratic-Republicans won the presidency. Jefferson received 73 electoral votes to 65 won by Adams. But there was a serious problem. Aaron Burr, who was also on the Democratic-Republican ticket also received 73 electoral votes.
The Democratic-Republicans thought they were saving the nation from monarchy and oppression. The made arguments against the Alien and Sedition Act, a law supported by the Federalists, that it violated the Bill of Rights. The Federalists, on the other, hand warned that radicals (people with extreme viewpoints) were about to ruin the nation.
In the election, the Democratic-Republicans won the presidency. Jefferson received 73 electoral votes to 65 won by Adams. But there was a serious problem. Aaron Burr, who was also on the Democratic-Republican ticket also received 73 electoral votes.
Breaking the Tie
Aaron Burr
According to the Constitution, the House of Representatives now had to chose between Burr and Jefferson. Clearly, Jefferson was the person the Democratic-Republicans wanted, but the Federalists were still in power in the House of Representatives and they would now determine the winner.
The Federalists were divided. Some feared or disliked Jefferson so much they decided to back Aaron Burr. Others, such as Alexander Hamilton, a strong political opponent of Jefferson, felt Burr was so unreliable, that he urged other Federalists to back Jefferson. Although Hamilton despised Jefferson, he still believed he would do a much better job as president than Burr.
After 35 votes were cast over seven days, the House finally chose a winner and broke the tie. Due to Hamilton's persuasion, Jefferson was voted in as president just two weeks prior to inauguration. Aaron Burr, however, would never forget or forgive Hamilton's insults.
The Federalists were divided. Some feared or disliked Jefferson so much they decided to back Aaron Burr. Others, such as Alexander Hamilton, a strong political opponent of Jefferson, felt Burr was so unreliable, that he urged other Federalists to back Jefferson. Although Hamilton despised Jefferson, he still believed he would do a much better job as president than Burr.
After 35 votes were cast over seven days, the House finally chose a winner and broke the tie. Due to Hamilton's persuasion, Jefferson was voted in as president just two weeks prior to inauguration. Aaron Burr, however, would never forget or forgive Hamilton's insults.
Burr vs. Hamilton- The Feud Turns Deadly
The Hamilton-Burr Duel
In 1804, Burr was replaced as Jefferson running mate as vice-president. He decided now to run for governor of New York. Alexander Hamilton again questioned Burr's fitness to hold public office. He wrote that Burr was "a dangerous man who ought not to be trusted with the reins of government.
Burr lost the election and was furious. He openly challenged Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton agreed and went to the dueling site, but resolved not to fire his weapon. Burr, still enraged at Hamilton's insults, did fire. Hamilton, mortally wounded, died the following day.
Burr lost the election and was furious. He openly challenged Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton agreed and went to the dueling site, but resolved not to fire his weapon. Burr, still enraged at Hamilton's insults, did fire. Hamilton, mortally wounded, died the following day.
Jefferson's Talents
Monticello
In over 200 years, no president has ever matched Jefferson in terms of his variety of achievements. His knowledge and skill went beyond politics. He was a skilled architect who advised designers when Washington, DC was being built as well as the University of Virginia.
His passion for classical design can also be seen at his home, Monticello. Many innovations and inventions of Jefferson can be seen throughout this home including storm windows, a seven-day clock and a dumbwaiter- a small elevator that could bring bottles of wine from his cellar.
Beyond that, Jefferson was a skilled violinist, horseman, amateur scientist, a devout reader, and fluent in several languages. His book collection would become the core of the Library of Congress.
His passion for classical design can also be seen at his home, Monticello. Many innovations and inventions of Jefferson can be seen throughout this home including storm windows, a seven-day clock and a dumbwaiter- a small elevator that could bring bottles of wine from his cellar.
Beyond that, Jefferson was a skilled violinist, horseman, amateur scientist, a devout reader, and fluent in several languages. His book collection would become the core of the Library of Congress.
Jefferson's Philosophy
Jefferson's Grave
Immediately after taking office, Jefferson set out to calm the nations quarreling over political issues. "Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind...Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle...We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists," stated the new president in his first inaugural address.
Jefferson hoped to promote a common way of life in America that focused on small, independent farmers. Such a nation, he felt, would uphold the strong moral values of country living. He was hopeful that the large areas of land available in America would prevent people from crowding into cities as they had in Europe.
As president, Jefferson tried to set this as an example. He behaved more like a gentleman farmer rather than a privileged politician. At dinner parties, he served elegant food, but sat everyone at round tables so no one could be at the head of the table.
Even after his death, he refused to elevate himself because of his office. The epitaph on his tombstone reads, "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia." He chose not to list his presidency.
Jefferson hoped to promote a common way of life in America that focused on small, independent farmers. Such a nation, he felt, would uphold the strong moral values of country living. He was hopeful that the large areas of land available in America would prevent people from crowding into cities as they had in Europe.
As president, Jefferson tried to set this as an example. He behaved more like a gentleman farmer rather than a privileged politician. At dinner parties, he served elegant food, but sat everyone at round tables so no one could be at the head of the table.
Even after his death, he refused to elevate himself because of his office. The epitaph on his tombstone reads, "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia." He chose not to list his presidency.