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Jeffersonian democracy declared their passions for liberty and equality.Jeffersonians insisted upon a strict interpretation
of the constitution, peaceful foreign relations, and reduction of the size and powers of the federal govenment. Economic growth
in the U.S. before 1820 was built on agriculture and commerce. American cities were small and only about 7 percent of the
population lived in the cities. Thomas Jefferson proved to be a capable and pragmatic president. Jefferson accomplished most
of his early goals of reduction of the federal bureaucracy, taxes, and military spending. Jefferson purchased Louisiana in
1803, and doubled the territory of the U.S. for only $15,0000. Jefferson authorized the Lewis and Clark expedition. Jefferson
dispatched an American fleet to battle Barbary Pirates, rather than go along with their plans like Washington did. The Embargo
Act failed to win foreign respect for American neutrality. James Madison won the election of 1808, but proved to be an ineffective
president. General William Henry Harrison defeated an Indian army at Tippecanone, drove the Indian leader Tecumseh into the
arms of the British. The Treaty of Ghent was sighed on Chrisrmas Eve 1814, and it ended the deadlock of was with nno major
concessions granted by either side. Battle of New Orleans led to a widespread conception that the U.S. had win the was of
1812.
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