Influential men in the creation of the republic, Adams and Hamilton remained largely absent from each other’s lives besides a brief correspondence from Adams in July 1789 where requested the younger Hamilton allow his son Charles Adams to clerk for him because he wanted to “get him into some office in New York, and should give the Preference to you” but rested on two contingencies, one of which Adams suggested “you may become a Minister of State, or some other Thing better or worse than the Practice of the Bar, but, however, incompatible with it.” This letter underlines two facts; first, Adams held Hamilton in high regard by entrusting his son to him. Second, for Adams, it was apparent that Hamilton’s future laid in political office, not private …show more content…
legal practice, and a rise to a higher position was inevitable. There is no recorded response from Hamilton but Adams’s sentiments towards Hamilton would change dramatically years after this letter. Six months earlier Hamilton declared privately in a letter to future President James Madison that he had “concluded to support Adams; though I am not without apprehensions.” Detailing his apprehensions, Hamilton mentioned Adams’s ideas, though not entirely aligned with his own were nearer to his than that of other candidates. Adams and Hamilton seemed to share a mutual respect of the other’s abilities and intellect. When the first American election took place in 1788 and George Washington was a near certainty to assume the role as the nation’s first president. Adams agreed that Washington was the right person for the job and believed he was the logical choice to become the nation’s first vice-president and according to Ferling “would accept nothing but the vice-presidency of the United States. Any other office was deemed beneath him.” Emphasizing once again Adams’s vanity and self-importance. He believed no one was more suited for the position and Hamilton agreed. Adams found success following the election, he secured the vice-presidency but winning the position did not equate to universal popularity. Jefferson disclosed to Madison in 1787 that Adams was “vain irritable and a bad calculator of the force and probable effect of the motives which govern me.” Jefferson was not the only prominent politician who was unsettled with Adams, Madison poked fun at his disagreeability, “Mr. Adams is the only public man whom he thinks favorably of or seems to have associated with.” The inaugural election showed Hamilton, despite supporting Adams for Vice-President, undermining his ability to garner votes. Hamilton feared that Virginian Richard H. Lee and Adams who “have been in the habit of uniting” would undermine Washington and “spring up a Cabal very embarrassing to the Executive and of course to the administration of the government.” There is doubt as to how much of an influence Hamilton had, but he no doubt made the effort to sway the election for Washington by approaching electors in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Elected unanimously, Hamilton’s fears regarding a Washington defeat were groundless, but the prideful Adams took the results of the election as a personal slight, stating after the result that it was a stain upon his character and Ferling speculated that Adams “could not understand why the public refused to elevate him to the same status it accorded to Washington and Franklin.” Adams was unaware of Hamilton’s efforts to protect Washington until a decade later and, predictably, viewed his actions as “unforgivably duplicitous” and referred to it as “dark and dirty intrigue.” This maneuver by Hamilton would be the basis for a verbal attack from Adams in the future and was not his last attempt to undermine Adams. Unware of Hamilton’s plot until several years later, Adams praised Hamilton’s intellect after the election when Washington was considering nominating Hamilton for Secretary of Treasury.
Writing to historic painter John Trumbull, Adams stated “Our Secretary has, however, I think good Abilities and certainly great Industry. He has high minded Ambition and great Penetration” but he also pointed out his reservations about Hamilton “He may have too much disposition to intrigue” a trait that he viewed as the biggest threat to the Republic, and perhaps predicting correctly despite being ignorant of Hamilton’s role in the 1789 election. Hamilton’s time as Secretary of Treasury was brief but successful and even Adams deemed it so declaring “The Secy. of the Treasury is so able and has done so well that I have Scarcely permitted myself to think very closely whether he could or could not have done better.” Washington’s first term , characterized by Hamilton’s financial plan and his influence on the Executive office, put Adams in an inconsequential role. Adams and Hamilton had only professional correspondence discussing economic matters such as shipments and trade during Washington’s first term. Until this point, the two men traded praise of the other and they had an amicable, albeit minimal, …show more content…
relationship. Ambition was Hamilton’s strongest trait but also contributed to his many battles. 1792 signified the first re-election in American history for the presidency. Once again, the race was for the vice-presidency and Hamilton provided unwavering support for Adams. During Washington’s first term, Hamilton wielded an enormous amount of influence, as Washington’s chief advisor, Granted the foremost place in the cabinet, Hamilton used his post to influence policy. Adams on the other hand, had little to no say in the proceedings of the government as historian David McCullough pointed out in his Adams biography that he had “come to terms with his marginal role in the order of things” and “he had at last learned the part he was supposed to play and to a large degree accepted its limitations.” Adams involvement was minimal, as was his actual presence. Hamilton warned Adams of the potential risk of losing his post, something Adams no doubt was irked by, being warned to return by a younger, more influential, and motivated Hamilton. Eager to promote his own interests by ensuring Adams won reelection and continued to stay away from Philadelphia prompted Hamilton to send unsolicited advice to Adams where he stressed that should Adams stay in Massachusetts it would “give some handle to your enemies to misrepresent—And though I am persuaded you are very indifferent personally to the event of a certain election, yet I hope you are not so as it regards the cause of good Government.” Hamilton was quick to offer his opinion and Adams received this negatively as Chernow pointed out “he prided himself on his grumpy independence and freedom from party virulence and saw no need to make common cause with Hamilton.” Determined to maintain his influence of the Presidency and prevent Governor of New York George Clinton and his nemesis Aaron Burr from winning the vice-presidency, Hamilton engaged in campaigns against Adams’s opponents. Hamilton lavished praised on John Adams’s character privately to his associate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, stating “Mr.
Adams, whatever objections may be against some of his theoretic opinions, is a frim honest independent politician.” Pointing out potential disagreements they may share, Hamilton once again seemed to be settling for Adams in the role, rather than someone he strongly opposed, such as Clinton or Burr. Writing to John Steele, Hamilton did not ignore Adams’s flaws but asserted once again “we believe him to be honest firm faithful and independent – a sincere lover of his country.” After promoting Adams, Hamilton went on to attack his opponents Clinton and Burr. His influence is subject to debate and whether it played a role in Adams’s subsequent win is unknown. The closeness of the result, 77 for Adams to Clinton’s 50, regardless, was enough to enrage Adams and hurt his pride once again, he even attacked the system of election the country had implemented exclaiming “Damn ‘em, damn ‘em, damn ‘em. You see that an elective government will not do!” Perceiving the most minute action as a slight, it angered Adams that someone “his inferior in knowledge and government service, could pose a serious political threat.” Blinded by vanity, Adams lashed out at his opponents, the government, and
voters. Influencing two elections, one to protect the prestige of George Washington, the other to prevent Adams from losing the vice-presidency and from self intertest, Hamilton had become the most influential man in the country. From economic programs to foreign policy, Hamilton’s fingerprints littered the construction of the country, and he had cemented his place as the leader of the Federalist party. 1796 marked the end of an era, George Washington did not run for a third term and the Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans and the Hamiltonian Federalists presented a candidate. Adams would run for the presidency, justifying his place as lone resident in a Philadelphia home while serving as vice-president. Adams felt it was his right to succeed Washington as president, placing himself at the same level as the him and he “did not see the presidency as a party matter at all. It was simply the recognition to which he was entitled for nearly thirty years of meritorious public service” and even proclaiming “I am the heir apparent.” Running with Adams was Thomas Pinckney, who some Republicans believed was the choice of Hamiltonians and according to political historian Arthur Scherr “Republicans newspapers… were in accord with the Hamiltonians on the desirability of Thomas Pinckney as president when compared to John Adams.” Two factors influenced Hamilton’s support for Pinckney; the first was Hamilton’s belief that with Pinckney in office he would still have a direct line to the executive, the other was to prevent Thomas Jefferson from winning. The decision to secretly support Pinckney promised to set an inevitable clash with John Adams who believed he was the heir to the presidency. Donald Heidenreich pointed out that “succession was earned, not won through contests” and that due to Adams’s low support outside of New England, he needed a Southerner to garner the leftover votes. The widespread belief is that Hamilton secretly engaged in anonymous takedowns of Adams to increase Pinckney’s chances of winning the presidency.
Adams was a Federalist which meant he was upper class and wanted a strong central government and this showed when he led his country. He had to keep the nation stable amidst the French’s dislike for him that lead to the X, Y, Z Affair. The X, Y, Z Affair with France led to a three year long Quazi War that Adams had to keep the government stabile during. This led to him passing the Alien and Sedition Acts which were highly controversial and went against the first amendment. This was the first act of Adam’s presidency that went against the stability of the US government.
As a result of the millions of dollars in war debt that the United States faced, Hamilton was requested by Congress to present this report to the House of Representatives. As mentioned, Hamilton 's position was the Secretary of the Treasury; he was ultimately responsible for evaluating the nation 's economic state and making any recommendations necessary for improvement. With the nation in a financial crisis, Hamilton 's report was crucial to Congress. Thomas Jefferson was the author of “Thomas Jefferson on the Federalists, 1790”. His journal entry was clearly sparked by the issue of the Federalists promoting a monarchical government, but also a form of self-expression. Seemingly, Jefferson uses his personal writings not only to respond to ongoing problems in the newfound nation, but as a method to release his anger and frustration, much like any individual would in their private
Two Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both discussed their views of aristocracy. The two disagreed on this subject, as they did on many others. In summary, Adams seemed to be more open to aristocracy, as long as it is controlled, while Jefferson rejected pseudo-aristocracy, he believed that natural aristocracy can and should be a result of government.
The early lives of John Adams and John Quincy Adams are different. John Adams?s father, who also named John, sent his son ? young Adams to Harvard College at age fifteen, and he expected him to become a minister. His father was working hard to make young Adams?s life different than his own which was to become an educated person. However, John Adams did not want to become a minister. After he graduated in 1755, he taught school for few years in Worcester, and that allowed him to think about his career choice. After much reflection, he decided to become a lawyer, and studied law in the office of James Putnam, a prominent lawyer in Worcester. In 1758, he was admitted to the bar. He put the skill to good use as a lawyer, often recording cases he observed so that he could study and reflect upon them. His report of the 1761 argument of James Otis in the superior court of Massachusetts as to the legality of Writs of Assistance is a good example. On the other hand, John Quincy?s father which is John Adams did not push him to become a minister. Moreover, John Adams brought young Adams to France (1778 ? 1779) and to the Netherlands (1780 ? 1782) to acquire his early education at institutions at the University of Leiden. John Adams let his son explored the world more than his own father did. At age fourteen, young Adams accompanied Francis Dana on a mission to St. Petersburg, Russia, to gain recognition to the new republic. He also spent time in Finland, Sweden, Den...
With Washington out of running the nation, there was no "obstacle that remained to an open expression of the partisan rivalries that had been building over previous 8 years. Jefferson was untested candidate of the republicans which led to select Hamilton but he had created too many enemies to be a credible candidate so the vice president of George Washington, John Adams had been directly associated" (Brinkley, 176). The problem that Adams have faced through his presidency was that he himself was not a dominant figure in his own party because "Hamilton remained the most influential Federalist and Adams was never been able to challenge him effectively" (Brinkley, 177). Adams had only few skill as a politician. "Austere, rigid, aloof he had little talent at conciliating differences, soliciting support, or inspiring enthusiasm. He was a man of enormous, indeed intimidating, rectitude and he seemed to assume that his own virtue and the correctness of his position would alone be enough to sustain him" (Brinkley, 177). Around in 1800s bitter controversies shaped presidential candidates which was Jefferson and Adams. They were again the opposing candidates but it was very different than they had last time. Both themselves displayed reasonable dignity, but their supporters showed no restraint. "The Federalist accused Jefferson of being dangerous radical and
In the Revolutionary period, John Adams was a leader who was one of the founding fathers and advocate for the independence of America. He was a member of the Continental Congress. During the Revolutionary war, Adams served in France and Holland as a diplomatic role. After George Washington was elected as the President, he was put under Washington as the first Vice President. After Washington’s presidency, Adams, who was apart of the Federalists, got elected as President on March 4th, 1797 with Thomas Jefferson, his friend and rival as Vice President. John Adams was well known for his aloofness, and demonstrated passionate patriotism for America, he was also an independent man who did not care for the opinion of the public; except his wife
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the last living individuals from the first American progressives who had confronted the British people and manufactured another political group in the previous provinces. Then again, while they both trusted stock in vote based system and life, freedom and the quest for joy, their conclusions on the best way to accomplish these standards separated after some time. Later, serving two presidential terms, Jefferson and Adams each communicated to outsiders their appreciation the other and their longing to recharge their friendship. Adams was the first to end the hush; he sent Jefferson a letter around the time of new year’s, in which he wished Jefferson numerous great new years to come. Jefferson reacted with
Everyone has heard the name Alexander Hamilton, but few are familiar with his views and actions regarding the survival of the young American republic. He could be recognized for anything from serving our fledgling country by fighting in the New York militia; to serving his community as a lawyer and as a national tax agent; to beginning his political career as a representative for New York at the National Congress. Though most would agree his most important contribution to our struggling republic was to spearhead the project which formed the doctrine helping to establish the foundation in which modern democracy is based, the Articles of Confederation.
Of the many figures in American History, Alexander Hamilton has proven himself one of the most versatile and influential. His policies and ideals have helped the United States blossom into a prosperous world power. Through his power as secretary of Treasury and his convincing intellectual efforts, he was able to dominate the nations early political environment. Hamilton’s patriotic endeavors have proven themselves to be durable and in the best interests of the United States.
...der Hamilton shaped the New World and the way in which policies were managed. Today’s United States government mirrors more the ideas of Alexander Hamilton, but it seems the majority of her people prefer the vision of Thomas Jefferson; the idealistic dream of true freedom and of the ability to shape one’s own destiny. Would it be the other way around if the current state of government was turned? For sure, if one vision had prevailed wholly over the other, the outcome would be substantial in modern society; Hamilton’s vision would have created another England and Jefferson’s – who knows?
The following is a review of the book Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr: Their Lives, Their Times, Their Duel, by Anna Erskine Crouse and Russel Crouse. The authors depict Hamilton and Burr’s lives from childhood to the men who provided much influence in America and in its beginnings. In the reading, both men live separate lives although, unknowingly they run parallel with one another. Their hunger for education, military careers, and involvement with the government; all of which come to a clashing end known as the most famous duel in American history.
Both Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were prominent members of society during the era after the revolution. Yet while these two men came from similar backgrounds and both believed in liberty and independence, neither of the two men could stand each other. This was mainly due to the fact that the two men had radically different views on various subjects, and neither was willing to give up or alter their view. Alexander Hamilton, one of the most important people of the time, was the first Secretary of the Treasury. Utilising federal power to modernize the nation, he convinced Congress to use an elastic interpretation of the Constitution to pass laws that Jefferson deemed unconstitutional.
During the election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson succeeded in defeating the incumbent, John Adams, and assumed the presidency. In terms of elections though, the election of 1800 itself was a fascinating election in that it a heavily-contested election and was effectively the first time political parties ran smear campaigns against each other during an election. The Republican Party attacked the Federalists for being anti-liberty and monarchist and tried to persuade the public that the Federalists were abusing their power through acts such as the Alien & Sedition Acts and the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion (Tindall and Shi 315). The Federalists, on the other hand, attacked Jefferson for his atheism and support of the French Revolution and warned that his election would result in chaos (316). By the end of the presidential election, neither Adams nor Jefferson emerged with his reputation completely intact. Still, rather than an election between Adams and Jefferson, the election of 1800 ultimately boiled down to a deadlock between Jefferson and his vice presidential candidate, Aaron Burr, who each held seventy-three electoral votes, resulting in the election was sent to the House of Representatives. In the end, the deadlock was resolved only by Alexander Hamilton, whose immense hate for Burr allowed Jefferson to claim the presidency. However, the election of 1800 was more than just a simple presidential election. The election of 1800 was the first peaceful transfer of power from the incumbent party to the opposition and represented a new step in politics, as well as a new direction in foreign policy that would emerge from Jefferson’s policies, and to this extent, the election of 1800 was a revolution.
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, two of the most distinguished leaders in United States history began to lay the foundation the future generations would build the government upon in the 18th century. After successfully becoming an independent country after the American Revolution, America faced the challenge of building a strong economy and constructing a stable government. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson sought to develop ways to overcome these issues while building a strong Nation, however, these two influential leaders disagreed on the main issue concerning where the government's power should lay. From this issue, stemmed the disagreements on how to recover the Nation out of debt,
“[T]he man on the ten-dollar bill is the father of the American treasury system, a signer of the Constitution, one of the primary authors of the Federalist Papers, and the loser of the infamous duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. Alexander Hamilton's earlier career as a Continental Army officer is less well known. Yet Hamilton's first experience in public service is important, not only because it was the springboard to his later career, but because it also deeply influenced his values and thinking” (Hamilton).