I came across this factoid while reading Empire of Liberty, Oxford's entry in its US History series covering the period of the early republic (1787-1815). Apparently this idea was being bandied about in Republican circles in the latter half of Adam's presidency. From what I read, it seems like Jefferson might well have the sway to pull Virginia out of the union and bring Kentucky along, though likely no other state. One imagines the Union would quickly crush the rebellion; the New Army might have been disbanded in 1800, but Washington and Hamilton would surely given another army.
What happens next? I have a feeling the Federalists might write a new constitution to rid themselves of the stain of the Virginia plan. Madison wasn't as brazen as Jefferson, but he did involve himself in a 1799 push to assert the rights of states to nullify legislation (it was Jefferson, not Madison, who actually used that charged word, but you see the connection). Presumably such a constitution will give the federal government far more power, while seeking to tame popular power. I'm curious what forms that might take.
I could see Jefferson making further trouble if he managed to slip overseas after the rebellion and gain Napoleon's ear. What else? Does this impact the development of slave power in the US? Will we see another, sooner, rebellion?
What happens next? I have a feeling the Federalists might write a new constitution to rid themselves of the stain of the Virginia plan. Madison wasn't as brazen as Jefferson, but he did involve himself in a 1799 push to assert the rights of states to nullify legislation (it was Jefferson, not Madison, who actually used that charged word, but you see the connection). Presumably such a constitution will give the federal government far more power, while seeking to tame popular power. I'm curious what forms that might take.
I could see Jefferson making further trouble if he managed to slip overseas after the rebellion and gain Napoleon's ear. What else? Does this impact the development of slave power in the US? Will we see another, sooner, rebellion?