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These are excerpts from my book: The Never Realized Republic: Political Economy and Republican Virtue, found on Amazon.com
Ultimately, Hamilton and the Federalists went far beyond correcting the fiscal weaknesses of the Confederation. It had laid a foundation of political authority and power that was to be exercised within a context of utility, necessity, and open- endeness.
Federalism was almost a limitless power within limited authority and until "the United States fairly goes to pieces no man can do more than alter or improve the work accomplished by Hamilton and his party." The inevitable clash was due entirely to the influence of one man on a certain stage of commercial development and utilizing that stage as a foundation for a vision. Relying on the faith of a people, tired from war and political struggle, "Hamilton dominated the American Government from 1790 to 1795. His administrative genius set the tone of the new government."1
The Revolution and the constitutional era were not miraculous, "because they can be explained historically,"2 These events were not without precedent. Hamilton's policies as well, are able to be explained historically and had even more specific historical precedent. Although many have been unable to show a particular source or authority,3 of Hamilton's policies, we can see him fitting into certain classical values, contributing to the "flow of transatlantic thought," and wanting to do good for the public good.
Hamilton was primarily concerned with creating sounds and appearances,4 and he also demonstrated the ways and means to influence if not to form public opinion. Whether by appealing to the fears of the people or to their pride, Hamilton knew how to influence people and manipulate situations to his advantage.
It is fair to say that these advantages were never personal. His motive was not self-aggrandizement. He worked for his vision of a commercial and industrialized America.5 In a broader context of domination and expansion, Hamilton set out "to make a second England of America, eventually to take over Britains ascendency, that was a pursuit of national greatness that Hamilton linked to his own striving for enduring fame."6
The means to this end are seen in Hamilton's own words: "There is, in the nature of things, as will be more particularly noticed in another place, an intimate connection of interest between the government and the bank of a nation."7 It was this source that Hamilton favored to back and bankroll his vision.
1"The true ground of Hamilton's great reputation is to be found in the mass and variety of legislation and organization which characterized the first administration of Washington." Rose, "Alexander Hamilton and the Historians," Stanley D. Rose, "Alexander Hamilton and the Historians," Vanderbilt Law Review, II, (1958), 878. Hereinafter cited as Rose, "Alexander Hamilton and the Historians."
2Bernard Bailyn, The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution, (Cambridge: Mass, 1992), rev. ed., 66-67. Hereinafter cited as Bailyn, The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution.
3"In seeking out the sources of Hamilton's ideas, we soon learn that these sources are not readily discoverable." Rose,"Alexander Hamilton and the Historians," 856.
4 Hamilton most aptly applied the art of sounds and appearances to the establishment of the public credit. "Hamilton's funding system was part of his plan to adopt policies that produced sounds and appearances which would work toward the early establishment of public credit." Donald F. Swanson, Origins of Hamilton's Fiscal Policies, (Gainseville: University of Florida Press, 1963), 85. Hamilton makes frequent use and mention of sounds and appearances both in his financial and political sentiments. As a prelude to persuasion his convictions conveyed the sounds and appearances of authority and experience. "There are appearances to authorize a supposition that the adventurous spirit, which distinguishes the commercial character of America has already excited uneasy sensations in several of the maritime powers of Europe." Rossiter, ed., The Federalist Papers, No. 11, 85.
5 "The true ground of Hamilton's great reputation is to be found in the mass and variety of legislation and organization which characterized the first administration of Washington." Rose, "Alexander Hamilton and the Historians," 878.
6 Gerald Stourzh, Alexander Hamilton and the Idea of Republican Government, (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1970), 6.
7 Samuel McKee, ed., Papers on Public Credit, Commerce, and Finance by Alexander Hamilton (New York: Columbia University Press, 1934), 58..
What else can I help you with?
How did Hamilton and Jefferson view government?
Hamilton was more for the rich people and jefferson was more for the middle class and lower class.
Who was more of an abolitionist Jefferson or Hamilton?
Jefferson owned slaves. Hamilton was the abolitionist. He thought slavery was a waste of potential talent.
What ways Hamilton and Jefferson disagree on the economy is?
Hamilton believed it was all in the industries while Jefferson believed and favored more the agricultural economy
Why did Thomas Jefferson not like Hamilton?
because he was black I think it's fair to ignore the first answerer. There's no real reason that I'm aware of except that they simply disagreed about nearly everything. Jefferson wanted to spread the power, but Hamilton wanted to keep amongst a few elites. Jefferson feared tyranny, but Hamilton feared anarchy. Jefferson was free and creative, but Hamilton was neat and organized. Jefferson wore plainer clothes; Hamilton dressed more formally. Jefferson supported farming; Hamilton, manufacturing. Jefferson = strict construction; Hamilton = loose construction. The list goes on.
How did the opinions of Jefferson and Hamilton regarding the debt differ?
The opinions of Jefferson and Hamilton about the public differed because Jefferson was more a man of the people who felt that people should not have debt, and that it only hurt them and the country as a whole. On the other hand Hamilton had a plan that depended on a certain amount of the actual public debt itself, so he did not want to get rid of it.
What social class did Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson favor?
Alexander Hamilton favored the elite, or wealthy class, while Thomas Jefferson was more in favor of the less fortunate, unlike himself.
Why was Alexander Hamilton glad Thomas Jefferson did not go to the constitutional convention?
Alexander Hamilton was glad Thomas Jefferson did not attend the Constitutional Convention because he believed Jefferson's strong anti-federalist views could have undermined the formation of a strong central government. Hamilton, a proponent of a robust federal structure, feared that Jefferson's presence might have led to more emphasis on states' rights and less focus on national unity. Additionally, Hamilton saw Jefferson as a rival, and Jefferson's absence allowed Hamilton to push for his vision without significant opposition.
What did Jefferson think of hamilton political sect?
Hamilton's great aim was more efficient organization, whereas Jefferson once said "I am not a friend to a very energetic government." Hamilton feared anarchy and thought in terms of order; Jefferson feared tyranny and thought in terms of freedom. The two were political enemies.
Who do you believe started the fight Based on what they wrote whom do you trust more Hamilton or Jefferson Why?
Determining who started the fight between Hamilton and Jefferson largely depends on perspective. Hamilton often portrayed Jefferson as overly idealistic and naive, while Jefferson criticized Hamilton's financial policies as favoring the elite. Personally, I find Jefferson's emphasis on agrarian values and individual liberties more trustworthy, as he advocated for a government that prioritizes the common citizen over concentrated power. However, both had valid points, making it difficult to fully trust one over the other.
What was Alexander Hamilton's famous words?
"At least Jefferson was honest!" "A still more despicable opinion."
In what way is Jefferson the lesser of two evis in hamiltons view?
In Hamilton's view, Thomas Jefferson represents the lesser of two evils primarily because he embodies a more moderate approach compared to the radicalism of figures like Aaron Burr. While Hamilton disagrees with Jefferson's vision of government and his agrarian ideals, he sees Jefferson as someone who, despite his flaws, is still committed to the democratic process and the principles of the Constitution. This contrasts with Burr's opportunism and lack of clear principles, making Jefferson a preferable option in Hamilton's political landscape. Ultimately, Hamilton views Jefferson as a necessary counterbalance to protect the nation from more extreme factions.
Was Jefferson or hamilton a better spokesperson for democracy?
Both Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were important spokespersons for democracy, but they had different visions for the country. Jefferson advocated for a more agrarian society, championing individual liberty and states' rights. Hamilton, on the other hand, supported a stronger central government and emphasized economic development. Ultimately, the answer to who was a better spokesperson for democracy depends on one's perspective and priorities.
