The Triumph of Jeffersonian Democracy 1800 to 1809

 

Theme: Jefferson's effective, pragmatic policies strengthened the principles of two-party republican government, even though the Jeffersonian "revolution" caused sharp partisan battles between Federalists and Republicans over particular issues.

 

Theme: Despite his intentions, Jefferson became deeply entangled in the foreign policy conflicts of the Napoleonic era.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1. How revolutionary were Jefferson's policies compared to those of the previous Federalist administrations?

 

2. Was Jefferson right to purchase Louisiana, even if the Constitution did not permit it? What would have happened had France retained control of Louisiana?

 

3. How effective was Jefferson in managing American foreign policy in light of the Napoleonic wars between France and Britain?

 

4. Was Jefferson wise to avoid going to war over the Chesapeake incident and to impose the embargo, even though such actions were politically unpopular?