To all the American History buffs on the f-list, here's a what if...

What if Thomas Jefferson was the second President of the United States, rather than the third?

1. Would John Adams have served as his VP? (I'm of two minds on this -- against, due to Adams' ambition to the Presidency, and for, due to Adams' albeit attenuated personal friendship with Jefferson and his sense of duty.)

2. What effect would the "all things French"-loving TJ have had on the Quasi-War and the XYZ Affair?

3. Would the United States have a formal alliance with the French Directory -- or actual participation in the French Revolution?

4. Would the War of 1812 happen? Also, if the answer to #3 is "yes," could the alt-War of 1812 happen in Europe?

5. Would the American Civil War happen earlier?

Your thoughts, please!

Tags: mad science, reference, s7s