J efferson reduced some federal taxes and military expenses while retaining Hamilton’s national financial structure. His administration prosecuted the Mediterranean conflict commonly called the First Barbary War, demonstrating that the republic would use naval power to protect commerce. At home, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall strengthened judicial authority through Marbury v. Madison in 1803, establishing the Court’s power to decline enforcement of laws it found unconstitutional.
AARON BURR AND THE LIMITS OF TREASON
Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in an 1804 duel, ending one career and destroying another. Burr later became involved in obscure western schemes and was tried for treason in 1807. Chief Justice Marshall insisted upon the Constitution’s narrow definition requiring an overt act supported by evidence. Burr was acquitted. The case affirmed that political suspicion alone could not substitute for constitutional proof of treason.
EMBARGO
Britain and France interfered with American shipping during the Napoleonic Wars; Britain also impressed sailors, including alleged deserters from British service, from American vessels. Jefferson responded with the Embargo Act of 1807, halting most American exports. Intended as peaceful economic coercion, the embargo devastated merchants, encouraged smuggling and proved that commercial restriction could wound the nation imposing it. It was repealed shortly before Jefferson left office.
“The republic sought independence from European power but remained economically and strategically entangled with Europe.”
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