America Afire: Jefferson, Adams, and the First Contested Election

America Afire is the powerful story of the election of 1800, arguably the most important election in America's history and certainly one of the most hotly disputed. Former allies Adams and Jefferson, president versus vice president, Federalist versus Republican, squared off in a vicious contest that resulted in broken friendships, scandals, riots, slander, and jailings in the fourth presidential election under the Constitution.

The election of 1800 (not unlike that of 2000) was a tumultuous one, replete with an attempt to steal the victory from a controversial winner; deadlocked parties hell-bent on success; and a nation divided. Thomas Jefferson vs. John Adams—one of the most slanderous campaigns in the history of the nation. Added to that were backroom connivings and threatened riots serious enough to badly bend a young and shaky electoral system.

The election ended in a tie—between the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates. After 7 straight days of voting in the Congress, Jefferson finally became president. America Afire is a timely tale that not only enlightens and entertains, but reassures us of the continuity and durability of our institutions.

Bernard A. Weisberger is a distinguished teacher and author of American history. He has been on the faculties of the University of Chicago and the University of Rochester, is a contributing editor of American Heritage for which he wrote a regular column for ten years, has worked on television documentaries with Bill Moyers and Ken Burns, and has published some dozen and a half books as well as numerous articles and reviews. He lives in Evanston, Illinois, with his wife.