Final answer:
The Revolution of 1800 was the peaceful transition of power in the U.S. from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republican party during the presidential election, where Thomas Jefferson succeeded John Adams. This event set a significant precedent for non-violent political change in the nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Revolution of 1800 refers to the significant event in American history where there was a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. This occurred during the presidential election when Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, defeated the incumbent Federalist John Adams.
Although Jefferson tied with fellow Republican Aaron Burr in the Electoral College voting, he ultimately won the presidency after the House of Representatives voted in his favor, thanks to Alexander Hamilton's influence over some Federalist votes. This change in political power was revolutionary for its time because it occurred without violence, setting an important precedent for future transfers of power within the United States.
Several factors, such as the Alien and Sedition Acts and the divisive climate between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, notably influenced the election of 1800. Jefferson's victory was heralded as a second revolution because it marked a radical shift in the country's governing philosophy without resorting to bloody conflict, contrasting with the violent upheavals seen in other parts of the world during comparable political shifts.