The election of 1800

Partly prompted by the events described in this post, I recently read an excellent book about the election of 1800, when Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, Aaron Burr, and C.C. Pinckney. (At that time, each party put forth two candidates, one of which was thought of as the presidential candidate and the other was thought of as the vice presidential candidate. However, any of the four could have been voted in as president.) This election is considered a turning point in American History. It was the first time we proved that our newly created democracy could result in a peaceful turnover of power from one political group to another. Adams was of the same political party (Federalist) as Washington when he became the second president. Jefferson, on the other hand, was a Republican, and they were despised by the Federalists. (The feeling was mutual, of course.) Adams was soundly defeated, but Jefferson and Burr both received 73 electoral votes. This sent the matter to the Federalist controlled House of Representatives, who could have destroyed the Republican plan and chosen Burr, who was supposed to be Jefferson's vice president. 36 votes were taken before a deal was made and Jefferson became the third president. During the course of those 36 votes, there was talk by both sides of using force. Had that happened, a very different precedent would have been set, and the history of the United States would have been very different. Fortunately, the politicians of the day worked out a deal that prevented the destruction of our new democracy. What was somewhat of a radical idea at the time has become the norm in our lives and we're better off for it.



Both Jefferson and Adams are shown in the book as real men with failings as well as strong hearts. When I was a kid in school, I remember all of the "Founding Fathers" being painted with same glowing brush. These were our leaders, these great men who founded this country and believed in democracy and the "rights which we hold to be self evident". In my readings of this period as an adult, it's clear and really comes as no surprise to me that these men were all flawed and courageous, at times petty but still determined. In short, they were real people. Why don't we teach our kids this? Of course, maybe we do nowadays. It's been a long, long time since I took an American History class. I suppose I'll find out in a few years when my kids start school.

The next Founding Father I would like to read about is Alexander Hamilton. He is portrayed in this book as a terribly unscrupulous man and I would like to read a more balanced account.