Comparative Essay: Alexander Hamilton vs. Thomas Jefferson

📌Category: Historical Figures, History
📌Words: 590
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 07 April 2022

Two of our most well known founding fathers had drastically contrasting views on how our nation should be run, human nature and whether or not they should be given power, and the economy. . Alexander Hamiltion and Thomas Jefferson had many brutal cabinet battles debating these topics . Many agree that both of these plans have their merits. However, they also have their shortcomings . 

“Hamilton's view of human nature was shaped by his wartime experiences . All too often, he had seen people put their own interests and desire for personal profit above the cause of patriotism and the needs of the country.” (TCI 209) While this may be true, Thomas Jefferson believed that if one was informed, they could make the right decision for themselves and their country . “I have so much confidence in the good sense of man,” Jefferson wrote once the French revolution began, “that I am never afraid of the issue where reason is left free to exert her force” (TCI 212). Hamilton would have seen the true colors of human nature shine through during the war, for under stress and loss, people can show their true nature.

As stated earlier, Jefferson's view of human nature allowed him to believe that the people could rule better than a strong government would, for he felt the people could make good decisions if they were informed. He believed in a strict constitution and a weak central government . Hamilton, on the other hand, based on his experiences with human nature, thought that the people could not rule if they all only had their own interests at heart, let the rich, wealthy, and educated rule in a strong central government, following a loose version of the constitution . Thomas Jefferson loathed this plan to say the least, he was afraid of another monarchy happening . Democracy is essential if we are to put our trust in the people, Jefferson's plan would ensure that people trusted the government . However on the other hand If the government is weak, people will take what they want without a second thought, furthermore, Hamilton's plan makes sure that the country is strong, so that in times of war, they will have enough weapons and an army to fight in it . It is Hamilton's plan that is more beneficial because it promotes unity within the states, assists in averting conflict, and strengthens international trade, and brings money in to pay off our debt. 

The United States is embarking on new ventures in business and manufacturing. It is impossible to know whether we can rely on them to support our nation in the long run. Contrary to this, agriculture is a dependable industry that has steady profit margins. Jefferson was infuriated when, despite this, Hamilton's bank plan excluded farmers from receiving loans . Some argue that the nation would profit more from Hamilton’s plan, as when you manufacture items, it can be done quicker than when you farm the fruits and vegetables. Jefferson is unwilling to move forward and will ruin our economy if we continue to follow his plans. You do not need farmers as much as big manufacturers when we enact Hamilton's plan, so it makes perfect sense why there aren’t loans for farmers to buy more land, when they won’t need that land.

In conclusion, Hamilton's plan is more beneficial because it promotes unity within the states, assists in averting conflict, and strengthens international trade, and brings money in to pay off our debt. It is also the case that Jefferson makes a good point as to say that Hamilton's views are blurred by what he saw in the war, and how agriculture would benefit the economy as well . However, the evidence points out while Jefferson may make a valid argument, that Hamilton’s plan is clearly superior.

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