Hamilton Vs Jefferson: The Dispute That Made America
The 1700s was a century of disputes. Two founding fathers with completely different standpoints and aspects of the newly developing government. One looked for a stronger federal power while the other stood by state power. Both having very strong opinions, that had very good defenses to back it up. Each of them had their strengths but also their flaws. Not only was Hamilton's viewpoint far superior to Jeffersons but it is reinforced in what is now The United States of America.
Alexander Hamilton, a devoted nationalist and federalist, who stood by a strong central government. After the written draft of the constitution was authorized by the Philadelphia convention, it came to a decision that only 9 out of the 13 states had to be required for ratification. Most of Hamilton's followers were wealthy northerners. Anyone who was for the constitution became considered a federalist. For Hamilton, a strong central government would give us legitimacy from other nations and help the United States thrive as a country. Hamilton’s mindset The Articles of Confederation set for an unsteady union. Even with past treatment from Britain, Hamilton used Britain as an example. This led him to be known as an anglophile. Alexander Hamilton wrote 85 essays that became known as The Federalist Papers with the help of John Jay and James Madison. The Federalist Papers were written in order to persuade each state in favor of ratifying the constitution. The constitution was then approved by most of the anti-federal states after promising to add a bill of rights.
The leading conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson was initiated when Hamilton proposed a financial program. His plan consisted of the federal government having control over the debts from war, appointing tariffs on imports, and establishing a national bank. Most opposition came from the fact Hamilton's plans would greatly benefit the northerners rather than the southerners. His plan was later then modified to fit his both his ideas and Jeffersons. The whiskey rebellion stood as an example to let the country see the positive side of the constitution. Setting further differences, two political parties assembled, the Federalist and the Republicans. The Federalists were led by Alexander Hamilton and the Republicans were led by Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was an anti-federalist. He disagreed with the whole idea of The Constitution. He became an advocate for the people who feared America becoming tyrannical and abusive of their power. He wished to represent southerners who felt isolated in any decision made in the nation. Thomas Jefferson was a co-writer of the Declaration of Independence. He took it upon himself to find inspiration from John Locke’s Social contract. His main focus was the people's unalienable rights. The only way for him to accept the constitution was if the Bill of Rights was added.
The bill of rights settled any worries citizens had of the federal power becoming too powerful and tyrannical. He stood by( “We hold this truth to be self-evident: That all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”) Jeffersons' condition to accepting Hamilton's financial plan was moving the nation's capital to the south. He feared having the capital in the north would give them an advantage to overpowering the state government. In the year 1801, Thomas Jefferson became America's 3rd president. Although being unsure about Hamilton's economic plan, he still maintained the National Bank. Throughout his years of presidency, he still preserved his loyalty for the south. Jefferson limited the country's federal power and reduced the size of the militia. Although being a devout constructionist, his biggest achievement was the Louisiana Purchase. The acquiring of this new land doubled the size of America and led to a way of pursuing westward expansion. The negative outcome was it brought upon a controversy because purchasing foreign land was not it the constitution. Thomas Jefferson had set aside his strict constructionist beliefs, that read if it is not in the constitution then the government can not do anything. The land was bought for 15 million dollars from Napoleon. This purchase created a sense of optimism for Jefferson from the fact the new land would prosper through agriculture, contrary to Hamilton's vision of industrial growth. Jefferson believed in having a strong alliance with France which led him to be known as a francophile.
Overall Hamilton had a superior outlook of how the government should run in The United States. He was focused on what would help the nation prosper into a legitimate country. His belief fixated on principles that would lead to both a stable economy and government. While Jefferson's plan was only sufficing to each and everyone's needs even if it meant being a weak nation that may end in destruction in the long run. Alexander Hamilton's goal was more equipped to surpass other nations in order to guarantee legitimacy and respect as a unified nation. Alexander Hamilton spoke about his plan for the starting nation and took action to make it happen rather than Jefferson who spoke more rather than taking action. Hamilton's view established principles and a foundation that covered any present and future dispute in America.
Alexander Hamilton’s vision of the political system is most vivid in what is now The United States of America. America is now a unified country with strong federal power. Around the world, America is considered one of the most successful and prosperous nations. There is currently a full establishment of national banks around the country. The national banks are run by federal law. The economy skyrockets in industry and manufacture. All citizens respect and honor the constitution. Alexander Hamilton not only fought in the war but he understood and knew exactly what needed to occur in order to construct a new nation.
Every current accommodation made in the government has sufficed each American citizen. Both Hamilton and Jefferson stood in Washington's cabinet. They were there since the beginning when the government was just being established in the states. There feuding had a lasting impact in the country. These founding fathers set up a precedent that assisted future leaders. Both of their strengths in their visions were merged into one whole that successfully created America.
