4.11: Benjamin Franklin Bache and Thomas Jefferson: The Republican Renegades of the Alien and Sedition Acts

Send us Fan MailThere are a few moments in American history where it appeared at the time, and even more so in hindsight, where laws were passed that stunted individual American rights in the name of national security.  The first of these laws were the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in the late 1790’s as a response to the supposed threat that French and Irish immigrants, and potential spies, posed to the infant United States.  Curiously, these laws seemingly targeted those who were the most critical of the Adams administration, like newspaper editor Benjamin Franklin Bache.  The outcry surrounding them also led to a pair of formal responses that have gone down as the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, one of which was authored by none other than Vice-President Thomas Jefferson.  It appeared to be a constitutional crisis in the making, with two famous names taking center stage in its production.  In this episode of History: Beyond the Textbook, we’ll explore Benjamin Franklin Bache and Thomas Jefferson: The Republican Renegades of the Alien and Sedition Acts.Key PeopleBenjamin Franklin BacheThomas JeffersonKey Events/IdeasAlien and Sedition ActsVirginia and Kentucky ResolutionsNullificationWe're back for Season Four of History: Beyond the Textbook!  This season will  focus on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Federalist Era" in the years roughly 1789-1800.  The first six episodes will release every Tuesday from October 28-December 2, while the second six episodes will be released every Tuesday from February 17-March 24.   Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," Season Two, "America's Revolution," and Season Three, "America's Crucial Years," wherever you listen to your podcasts!Feel free to contact us with feedback or questions by clicking the "Send Us a Text" link or email us at: [email protected]