American history consists of many confrontations: colonies against the crown, North and South. Even at the beginning of its existence, the United States was subject to a conflict of different opinions. In the 1790s, the conflict between the Federalists led by Alexander Hamilton and the Anti-federalists led by Thomas Jefferson was particularly acute. Each of the groups had its vision of America’s future. The purpose of this essay is to compare and analyze the ideas of the two leaders, as well as their embodiment on the history of the United States.
The basis of the confrontation between Hamilton and Jefferson was from the direction in which each of them wanted to develop a new country. Hamilton interpreted state forces in a much broader sense, which, in his opinion, was necessary for a timely response to the problems of the new nation. If the republic had a wide range of powers, it would allow for successful industrialization and rapid development of society. Hamilton’s views on the Constitution and the state as a whole can be described as energetic, establishing order under the leadership of central authorities.
Jefferson, however, expressed opposing views, adhering to narrowed interpretations of the Constitution. Jefferson’s central idea was a strict reading of the country’s first law in compliance with the original meaning. Although this approach is necessary for the existence of the American state, he was too focused on his idea. A striking example of the disagreement between Hamilton and Jefferson is the establishment of the First Bank of the United States. The leader of the anti-federalists argued that the creation of this bank wasn’t mandatory, and the Necessary and Proper Clause did not give Congress the right to do what was convenient for it. On the contrary, Hamilton supported a broader interpretation of this document, insisting that it should sanction measures useful to the state.
The balance between the two views was the federal government’s finding solutions to such controversial issues. The structure had many purposes, including protecting the country and ensuring justice. Simultaneously, the federal government had to fulfill a support function, directing the country’s development, especially in crisis times. Such an approach has been challenged, especially in the first years after the creation of this structure because of fears of imposing policies that are not in line with national values. Some politicians supported the provision of powers to the federal government, like Hamilton, while others tried to minimize them, like Jefferson. Despite the difficulties with the interpretation of laws, the organization, although not without problems, successfully fulfilled the goal of protecting the United States, maintaining balance.
Together, Hamilton and Jefferson, being the closest people to Washington, had different views on the development of the country, which was perhaps appreciated by the president. The leader of the federalists was aimed at industrialization and the development of factories, production, and trade in its various forms. This goal was reflected in the documents he proposed, for example, in creating a national bank, similar to the British one. In other words, Hamilton fully supported and promoted the ideas of modern capitalism, believing that they could help in the development of a new state. On the other hand, Jefferson was in the opposite position, leaning toward the design of a decentralized agricultural republic. The politician saw the future of America in the development of an existing agrarian base, rather than in some industrial revolution.
Thus, the views of Jefferson and Hamilton on the Constitution and the future of the United States were almost the opposite. While the federalists’ leader strove to actively develop the country with the help of industry and trade, his opponents preferred to improve existing features. However, in the end, President Washington was more inclined towards the opinion of Hamilton, which was expressed, for example, in the creation of the First Bank of the United States. Consequently, it can be concluded that by the 1840s, the views of Alexander Hamilton were much more prevalent in politics than the designs of Thomas Jefferson.
References
Cunningham, Noble E., Jr. ed. Jefferson vs. Hamilton: Confrontations That Shaped a Nation. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s Press, 2000.
Read, James H. Power versus Liberty: Madison, Hamilton, Wilson, and Jefferson. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2000.
Staloff, Darren. Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson: The Politics of the Enlightenment and the American Founding. New York: Hill and Wang, 2005.