Term Paper Revolution of 1800

“The Revolution of 1800”

A Road Map for the Future

Michael Aten

HI221-012 United States History

Tuesday, 8:00 – 6:40

Spring 2005

“The Revolution of 1800”

A Roadmap for the Future

In the year 2000 George W. Bush became the 43rd President of the United States of America. The election is considered to be one of the closest in history. Results from the election were so close that recounts and examinations of ballots could have changed the outcome of the election. Democratic candidate Al Gore conceded the election after approximately 30 days and a ruling passed down by the Supreme Court. President George W. Bush in his speech to claim the White House would reflect on the election of 1800 and how Thomas Jefferson would unseat incumbent President John Adams and ultimately defeat Aaron Burr in what would later be considered the “Revolution of 1800”.

The revolution that Jefferson and historians refer to did not feature any violent battles of two or more armies with weapons and strategic actions. This revolution named by Thomas Jefferson himself, was a radical change in the chemistry of the American political system. This revolution of sorts has shaped American politics for last 200 years. It is this election that creates the political structure of Democrats and Republicans and the peaceful transfer of power that we know today. Looking back on the events and the candidate’s decisions from the election of 1800 we will see how this election was different from the previous elections and how the decisions of that election carved out a template for future elections.

Elections to government positions prior to the official induction of the Constitution were handled by appointment and in some cases such as that of the Continental Congress, self-appointment. In the two presidential elections leading up to the elections of 1800, the Federalist views were controlling the candidates and House of Representatives was considered by...