History Essay #2: How have Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson contributed to the development a

Along with many other people, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson contributed to the development and growth of the United States. The two party system we use today originated from the difference in opinions on the growth of America of Hamilton and Jefferson in Washington's cabinet. The central government, direction of the U.S. economy, French Revolution, and the National Bank are a few topics in which Washington received polar advice from his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, and his Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. In his Farewell Address, George Washington said, "I have already intimidated to you the danger of [political] parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view. and warn you in the most solemn matter against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally." Washington believed the key to national success is political unity, but by the time he wrote his farewell address, the two party system had already emerged. To fully explain how the system was developed, explaining Hamilton's and Jefferson's differences in opinion will give you a better idea of why it started.

Opinions on the issues of the central government were the opposite. Alexander Hamilton, leader of the federalists, believed in a strong central government. His followers, which consisted of merchants, wealthy farmers, and Southern plantation owners, were all well-educated landowners who supported his belief that common people were ignorant and incapable of self government. He thought the elite should rule, therefore increasing the voting qualifications. Thomas Jefferson, on the other hand, favored states rights. His followers were uneducated illiterates that were either artisans, shop keepers, frontier settlers, back country farmers, or poor farmers. Jefferson believed the common man to be capable of self government and that there should be low voting qualifications. He lead the democratic-republican party.

Now, moving on to the direction of the U.S. economy. Alexander Hamilton wanted an economy that stressed manufacturing, commerce, finance, and overseas trade. He also wanted tariffs and business protections. Thomas Jefferson still supported the common man and wanted the government to support their interests. He favored an agrarian economy, which is basically a farming- based economy, and took a liking to "yeoman" farmers, small farmers of the South.

Like their point of view for all the other topics, their view on the French Revolution differs. Alexander Hamilton despised the violence and social disruptions. Although he did not like the idea of war, Hamilton was pro-British. He hoped to form an alliance with Britain because they were the most powerful and influential trading nation at the time. Thomas Jefferson, however, is the opposite. He admired the revolution. He once stated that, "We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed." Jefferson strongly believed that the United States should've offered help to France because France helped them during the Revolutionary War.

The National Bank is a bank that was created in order to pay off the debt from the Revolutionary War. With Hamilton being pro-national bank and Jefferson being anti-national bank, George Washington had trouble establishing whether or not he should build a national bank. Alexander Hamilton wanted a national bank established because he thought it was "necessary and proper." He figured it would be a safe place for the government to keep money, make loans to businesses and the government, and issue bank notes. Thomas Jefferson thought it was not necessary. He believed it only benefitted commercial classes, not the farmers.

There were a few disagreements in Washington's cabinet, but it wouldn't have been allowed for one secretary to overrule the other because the government needed both influences. With their polar advice, the president was able to see the pros and cons of each issue and come to a definite conclusion. Knowing that one of them couldn't have more influence on the president's policies, the two party system was formed. In the election of 1796, more than one candidate ran for president. Political parties began to form during Washington's presidency. Alexander Hamilton founded the Federalist Party, which wanted a strong federal government and supported industry and trade. Thomas Jefferson founded the Democratic-Republican Party who's followers, the Republicans, wanted to limit the federal governments power. The party differences may also be based on where and how people lived. The business people of the cities supported the Federalists and the farmers generally favored the Democratic-Republicans. Americans used this system for some of the elections. It evolved to what we use today, the Democratic and Republican parties. Thanks to Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson we have our National Bank and our new political system.