The clash between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson is one that is bound to reenacted by humanity until some obscure ancient civilization correctly predicts the end of the world. Hamilton was the rich "London insider" who had experience in the financial sector and insisted that he was correct while Jefferson was an idealistic Renaissance man who, in the matter of principles, stood like a rock. The image of Jefferson is endlessly more appealing; he did, according to urban legend, invent the swivel chair.
And Hamilton struggled to connect with both his peers and the average American. He is often hailed as the father of Wall Street, which wouldn't exactly poll very well today. He often placed himself in the company of Tories and managed to eventually draw the ire of the American public despite his large contributions to the revolution. Burr was celebrated as a hero for killing Hamilton.
So how come we as a country bear a striking resemblance to the society Hamilton fought so fiercely to create? Hamilton wanted a strong federal government and a thriving financial sector while Jefferson preferred an agriculture-based economy supported by fiercely independent states. Today the federal government maintains a standing army and prints the money that is circulated, for the most part, by a stock exchange without even one ear of corn within 10 miles. Jefferson concluded that "a rich country cannot long be a free one". As of 2010 the United States had the largest GDP in the world; more than twice the second largest (China).
Hamilton's ideas won out in the end even though Jefferson is one of the most beloved figures in American history. You could say Jefferson was a dreamer but he certainly isn't the only one. One of the main ideas behind Rick Perry's campaign was that states should be the "laboratories" of the country, that no government can properly address the issues on a federal level, and... uhhh.... oops.
So who knows? Maybe one day we will see a Jeffersonian America. Until then his followers will have to settle for the nickel.
I think instead of America appreciating Jefferson's accomplishments more than Hamilton's, most people just generally know about more of what Jefferson did than what Hamilton did. Jefferson had the biggest accomplishments, but many aren't necessarily aware that America has turned out different than Jefferson pictured it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Ezra! Alexander Hamilton was considered a financial genius - creating a federal bank and paying off the US debt at par back in the day was very beneficial to our country. However, the values Thomas Jefferson embodies are what Americans like to think of as the principles of our society. I think that's why though our society seems to be more like Hamilton's idealistic society, we as a country remember Jefferson more. What do you think? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVinay
Vinay,
DeleteI think you hit the nail on the head with your comment about Jefferson's principles. Farmers tend to be celebrated in America and bankers are traditionally much less beloved. Jefferson was also much more outspoken about equality and human rights (even though he owned slaves...).
Thanks for your comment!