NC+Revolution+or+was+it+not

 Nicole Chiappetti AP US history hour: 1 Mr. Rowells October 25, 2009 Revolution of Shock  In the beginning of the 1800’s rapid change was occurring in the young democratic nation. At the turn of the century Thomas Jefferson became the third President of the United States. As he came into office Jeffersonianism exploded. Some say it was the Revolution of 1800, but it was not a “revolution in the sense of a massive popular upheaval or an upending of the political system” (Text Book p.215). __The revolution of 1800 was a revolution because even though it was not fought on the battlefield, it was a revolution which changed the path of the country. In fact, it was the first time that the Federalists lost their position in the Presidency and in Congress. The Republicans for the first time in history ruled the nation.__  The Revolution of 1800 was the first “peaceful and orderly” transfer of power in history (p.215). Jefferson believed “his election represented a return to what he considered the original spirit of the revolution” (p. 215). The Federalists while in power were thought to have taken some of the rights of the constitution away. They had turned large groups of people against them with their newly instituted laws in favor of the country and reducing the power of the states. Jefferson was determined to bring back the Republican venture and make sure the placement of power in the government was correct. The Revolution was similar to an enlightenment of the people. Jefferson’s main goal was to stop the rotting of moral goodness that the Federalist had created. The Revolution in other words was a political change that affected everyone.  On the other side the federalist concentrated all their efforts on ruining Jefferson’s reputation. They did all they could to exploit Jefferson and turn the people away from him. They even went so far as to call him atheist and the Federalists families began burying “their bibles or hung them in wells” (p.212). The federalist did not believe it was a revolution, though they believed that the principles of democracy were at stake, and what’s its outcome would be. They were scared that all their policies both domestic and foreign would be destroyed as Jefferson came into office. Jefferson made all changes in moderation, and barely touched the system of the Federalists. The only change he made was involving the national bank. Despite the lack of bloodshed the revolution of 1800 was significant in history as a revolution for the Federalists too.  In conclusion the Revolution of 1800 was a revolution. It was a new beginning for a new nation. Many changes occurred during this time but they were not done all at once. The revolution to some was a political revolution between the Democratic Republicans and the Federalists. The Federalists feared the future because for the first time in history they were removed from power, and the party they opposed became in control. The Revolution of 1800 was a new dawn of the era, and with that a new power to follow.