We the People
The Scientist Turned Spy: André Michaux, Thomas Jefferson, and the Conspiracy of 1793
Sep 5, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Spero, the incoming CEO of the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum, unveils the thrilling tale of André Michaux and his conspiracy entanglement with Thomas Jefferson in 1793. They explore Jefferson's possible role in a French government plot aimed at establishing an independent Louisiana. Spero sheds light on the ideological clash over American expansionism and the significance of Michaux's botanical discoveries, intertwined with the political dynamics of early America.
48:46
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the 1793 conspiracy involving André Michaux, Thomas Jefferson, and the French government's plot to establish an independent Louisiana republic.
- Patrick Spero highlights Jefferson's role in promoting scientific exploration and citizen-led initiatives while navigating the complexities of early American foreign relations.
Deep dives
The Michaux Conspiracy and Its Historical Context
The podcast delves into the Michaux conspiracy, highlighting a plot orchestrated by the French government to establish an independent republic in Louisiana during the tensions between American settlers and Spanish authorities. Historian Patrick Spiro presents evidence found in the American Philosophical Society's archives, suggesting that Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in this conspiracy. Specifically, the project aimed to support botanist Andre Michaud's transcontinental expedition, predating the Lewis and Clark Expedition by a decade. This historical backdrop serves to illustrate the political ramifications of such conspiracies and the relationships between influential figures in early American history.
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