Debate over the Louisiana Purchase
• Jefferson and other democratic republicans were strict constitutionalists (believed the federal government can do only what the constitution says)
• The constitution does not give the federal government permission to buy land
• Jefferson had to have a treaty with France that stated he could purchase the land ratified by congress
Federalists Opposition:
• Federalists feared that the purchase would give the south more power by increasing the number of states that that supported slavery and southern policies
• They also believed that $15 million was too much to spend
Lewis and Clark• Meriwether Lewis and
William Clark were appointed by Jefferson to explore the new, unknown, territory
• Both men:– Were scientists– Had done business
with the native Americans in the past
– Were involved in the army
The expedition:
• The first scientific project in American History
• They were given specific orders to:– Find the source of the Mississippi River– Find a route across the Rocky Mountains– Observe the customs of the Native Americans
Starting out:
• Lewis and Clark began their journey in St. Louis Missouri
• They took supplies as well as gifts for the native Americans
• During their trip they recorded their journey in great detail
• They also sent back samples of items in the Louisiana Territory
Sacagawea:
• A guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark
• Member of the Shoshone Tribe
• Had married a French trader
The Pacific Coast:
• With the help of Sacagawea and 6 other Shoshone guides, they were able to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1805
• They spent that winter in The Oregon Country
Return:
• The following spring they started back towards St. Louis
• They reached St. Louis in 1806
• The entire expedition took 2 years and 4 months
• It covered almost 8,000 miles
The End of Jefferson's First Term:
• America was:– Prosperous– At peace– 2x the size
• Jefferson easily won reelection
• He replaced Aaron Burr with George Clinton as Vice President
Burr Conspiracy:
• Burr left the republican part to run for Governor of New York as an independent
• He sought federalist support but Alexander Hamilton campaigned against him
• Burr lost the election
Hamilton Vs. Burr
• Hamilton's followers continued to criticize Burr’s integrity
• Burr challenged Hamilton to a Duel
• Burr Shot Hamilton who died the next day
• Burr was put on trial for treason for trying to being a western empire for himself
• Although acquitted, he left the country shortly after