Hamilton’s vision and Jefferson’s vision

Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson have contributed a lot to the American history. Nevertheless, the two great Americans had a different vision of how American government and economic affairs should be managed. Their two visions have contributed a lot to the current American government and economic structure. These two leaders had stark differences concerning each of the men’s vision for America. While Hamilton was a Federalist, Jefferson was more anti0fedarlist than one would imagine.

Jefferson is regarded as the father of democracy and advocated for individual rights and liberty for all the Americans. On the other hand, Hamilton was against civic rights where he strongly opposed the bill of rights. It is worth understanding that Jefferson vision favored ordinary people and advocated for free elections and accessible education for all Americans. This was in contrast to Hamilton whose concerns only for the moneyed elite. He assumed that being rich was a prerequisite to positions in government. Hamilton vision was to see American politics being controlled by rich white men. He had little concern for the poor Americans.

The two leaders had different visions regarding the system of American government. For instance, Hamilton was a Federalist, who advocated for a strong centralized government. On the other hand, Jefferson was anti-federalist wanted the common man to control the government. On the economic front, the two leaders had opposing visions. For instance, Hamilton believed that large industries and manufacturing were critical to economic stability. Jefferson, on the other hand, had strong believe in small family owned business and peasant farming essential to economic sustainability.

Both Hamilton and Jefferson have contributed immensely to the current political and economic status of America. With Hamilton, America has become a nation of great industries and economic prowess. Jefferson’s contribution towards democracy, liberty and justice for Americans cannot be overlooked. It is, however, important to note that Jefferson is a darling to most Americans as opposed to his fellow countryman Hamilton.  Although Hamilton had the right vision reading the finances and economic status of America, he overlooked other essential factors such as civic rights. On the other hand, Jefferson was liked by many despite being a slave owner. His contribution towards the enactment of the Bill of Rights in American constituent has endeared him to most Americans.  He was a states’ rights champion, and most Americans are happy with his contribution towards increased liberty and justice for them.

Variations of Republican culture

After American Revolution, the American population was determined to change their social, economic and political settings. The birth of Republican culture marked the beginning of a long journey where every American would have a say in the running of government and other economic activities. During this period, the economy created a class-based society in the north and Midwest. There was a class of the wealthy elite which included bankers, manufacturers, merchants and entrepreneurs who were held at the top of the social order. Nevertheless, there was the formation of material and religious culture that spearheaded radical social reforms. There was also the formation of trade unions by the poor workers to enable them agitate for better wages and good working conditions. During this period, the slave trade was the order of the day especially in Carolina and most of the South America.

There were a series of reform movements between 1820 and 1860 all over America. Religion was at its peak as gospel was preached, and Sabbath observance taken to higher heights. Most notable of the movement groups are the abolitionists and women’s rights activists who demanded radical changes. These movements agitated for the immediate end of slavery and other unfavorable political orders. Slavery was highly defended by the southerners who termed it as “positive good.” As the Republican culture took its course, the North developed into urban industrial society with free labor. On the other hand, the South remained an agricultural society where slavery was the order of the day. After the Mexican war, the northern and southern politicians were engaged in a struggle trying to expand slavery into the larger territory seized from Mexico.

Republican culture advocated for a situation whereby liberty and equality would be guaranteed to all. Before the Republican culture, women were treated as housewives and had clearly set roles. They had no role in making significant political or economic contributions. From the republican theory, women were incorporated differently from men since they were included as subordinates due to their weak sex. They were included as men’s subordinates in the private sphere and excluded from political and other civic activities. Their capacity for motherhood was the premises on which subordination occurred. In essence, Republican mother was excluded from citizenship, and only men and soldiers were recognized as citizens. Their political role was only bearing and rearing of sons who would uphold republican virtues.

References

Anderson, G. (2009). Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, version 4.0. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House.

Ferling, J. Jefferson and Hamilton.

Lind, M. (2013). Land of promise. New York, NY [u.a.]: Harper.

Miller, S. (2009). Billy Graham and the rise of the Republican South. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

 
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