Who is More Influential in the History of the United States, Jefferson Or Hamilton?
Two competing political philosophies have always existed throughout the United States' relatively short history: one seeking to increase the power of the central government and one seeking to decrease it. During the 1800s, these two conflicting philosophies were acted out by the Federalist and the Democratic-Republican parties, respectively. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, advocated the importance of a strong central government in leading the country forward, while the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, promoted increasing the common man's role in government. Although both political parties had good intentions for the future of the United States, the Federalist Party was much more effective at uniting the American people, avoiding domestic factions, and keeping the best interests in mind for the future of the United States. Alexander Hamilton, the first financial genius of the United States, overcame tremendous childhood odds to lead America through its early monetary decisions and foundations in the time following the American Revolution; some view him as one of the most influential founding fathers of the united states. Thomas Jefferson is also viewed as pretty high up in the popularity of the country. Some people believe Thomas Jefferson was a man of many abilities, and Jefferson would complete one achievement and move on to the next. Also, many historians believe Jefferson was of great importance and had written goals more eloquently for his country than any American ever has. [footnoteRef:1] [1: Syrett, Harold. "Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18." Alexander Hamilton, Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank. 23 Feb. 1791. New York and London: Columbia University Press. 6 Nov 2006 ] In the eyes of Historian Paul Finkelman, Jefferson is described as a "pathetic" racist and "a profligate, undisciplined spender" who "could not live without slaves. Too self-indulgent to manage carefully his own lands and his life, he relied upon slaves as a source of ready capital, selling scores of them to support his habits and pleasures." In Finkelman's opinion, Jefferson was "the arch traitor" against "the hopes of the world."[footnoteRef:2] [2: Martin A. Larson. The Journal of Historical Review, Jan. - Feb. 1993 (Vol. 13, No. 1), pages 40-41 http://www. ihr. org/jhr/v13/v13n1p40_Larson. html] Thomas Jefferson is a contradicting historical figure to study. He denounced slavery and stood as a bastion for individual liberties, yet he owned slaves his entire life. Historian Applebee (1992) says that Jefferson "May have been an agrarian, but he was a modern one who accepted commerce" (p. 258). Jefferson made his mark on the revolutionary era proclaiming small government principles that held virtue and individuality as principal features, and was actually elected to presid...
