Posted 14 November 2005

Whilst the focus of this work is on the events and political machinations surrounding the fiercely contested Presidential election of 1800, it constitutes, also, an excellent study of the political landscape during the early national period. The Election of 1800 is the climax of a decade of political activity that sees the destruction of the Revolutionary consensus, the growth of factions and mobilisation of ideologically driven and increasingly organised, political parties.

Ferling’s talent as a biographer is clearly evident as he paints vivid images of the key protagonists in the 1800 election: Adams, Jefferson, Pinckney and Burr. He describes them in detail, fairly but not uncritically, as politicians of varying talents.

The narrative is detailed and engaging; the political imperatives of the time are precisely described. The political questions raised by Hamilton’s financial programme and the growing Republican opposition to the power of commercial Federalist interests and the power of the Federal Government are well explained. Washington bequeathed pressing foreign policy issues to Adams who succeeded him in 1796 – what should the nature of America’s relationship with Great Britain and France be? It was these issues that were key in the election.

Where this work is strongest is in its account of the campaign, the partisan vitriol cunning and spin that characterised the contest. Ferling also does a first rate job in describing the diverse electoral practices that existed in the states and the procedural trial which ultimately decided the election tie, Adams having been defeated, between Jefferson and Burr.

This work is aimed primarily at the undergraduate in detail and in the depth of analysis, encompassing as it does a focused study of the ideological and electoral history of the period. For A-Level and Access students it would be a useful point of reference for an understanding of the early Electoral College system and for biographical material on some of the less well known figures of the age.

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