[JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826)]. The National Intelligencer...

[JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826)]. The National Intelligencer, and Washington Advertiser. Washington City: Samuel Harrison Smith, 18 February 1801. Vol. I, No. XLVII. 4pp., folio (445 x 267 mm), stab holes, old folds. THE “REVOLUTION OF 1800”: THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF JEFFERSON’S ELECTION AS PRESIDENT, AFTER 35 DEADLOCKED VOTES IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE. The Federalists and Democratic-Republicans were the two dominant political parties of the time, each with significant ideological differences. Federalists, led by John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong federal government, a national bank, and closer ties with Britain, while Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for states’ rights, a more limited federal government, and closer ties with France. The election was highly contentious, with both parties engaging in bitter political battles. However, when the votes were tallied, Thomas Jefferson emerged as the winner. The printer reports that “At 12 o’clock the 35th ballot was taken… At 1 o’clock the 36th ballot was taken which issued in the election of Thomas Jefferson”. This peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans was seen as a “revolution” because it represented a fundamental shift in the direction of the federal government and the nation’s policies. It demonstrated that the United States could resolve political disputes and transfer power through democratic means rather than through violence or revolution. This “Revolution” is often regarded as a critical moment in American history because it solidified the principles of democracy and the peaceful transition of power as fundamental aspects of the American political system.