The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson of the United States, from March 4, 1801 to March 4, 1809, carried out what Jefferson called the "Revolution of 1800" with the goal of putting into action the principles of republicanism endorsed by his party, the Democratic-Republicans. In domestic affairs Jefferson sought to eliminate Federalist influences, especially in the judiciary. He proudly succeeded in limiting the size of government by reducing taxes and the national debt. He established a military academy to produce more soldiers. He used the Navy to protect merchant ships from Barbary pirates in North Africa, but also reduced their fighting capability. He planned to protect ports by the use of small gunboats that proved useless when war came in 1812.