What's going on here? What is the significance of this letter? Why does Hamilton support Jefferson over Burr?
Alexander Hamilton to Harrison Gray Otis
"My opinion, after mature reflection, that if Jefferson and Burr come with equal votes to the House of Representatives, the former ought to be preferred by the Federalists. Mr. Jefferson is respectably known in Europe--Mr. Burr little and that little not advantageously for a President of the U[nited] States.--Mr. Jefferson is a man of easy fortune.--Mr. Burr, as I believe, is bankrupt beyond redemption unless by some coup at the expense of the public and his habits of expense are such that Wealth he must have at any rate,--Mr. Jefferson is a man of fair character for probity.--Very different ideas are entertained of Mr. Burr by his enemies and what his friends think, you may collect from this anecdote--A lady said to Edward Livingston ironically "I am told Mr Burr will be President. I should like it very well if I had not learned that he is a man without property."--"Let him alone for that," replied Edward,--"If he is President four years, he will remove the objection."--Mr. Jefferson, though too revolutionary in his notions, is yet a lover of liberty and will be desirous of something like orderly Government.--Mr. Burr loves nothing but himself-Thinks of nothing but his own aggrandizement--and will be content with nothing short of permanent power in his own hands.--No compact, that he should make with any passion in his breast except Ambition, could be relied upon by himself.--How then should we be able to rely upon our agreement with him? Mr. Jefferson I suspect will not dare much. Mr. Burr will Dare every thing in the sanguine hope of affecting every thing in the sanguine hope of affecting every thing.
If Mr. Jefferson is likely from predilection for France to draw the country into war on her side--Mr. Burr will endeavor to do it for the sake of creating the means of personal power and wealth.
This portrait is the result of long and attentive observation of a man with whom I am personally well-acquainted and in respect to whose character I have had peculiar opportunity of forming a correct judgment.
By no means, my Dear Sir, let the Federalists be responsible for his Elevation.--In a choice of Evils, let them take the least--Jefferson is in my view less dangerous than Burr.
But we ought--still to seek some advantages from our situation. It may be advisable to make it a ground of exploration with Mr. Jefferson or his confidential friends and the means of obtaining from him some assurances of his future conduct. The three essential points for us to secure is. 1 The continuance of the neutral plan bona fide towards the belligerent powers 2 The preservation of the present System of public credit--3 The maintenance & gradual increase of our navy. Other matters may be left to take their chance...."
Source: Gilder Lehrman Institute
2. Review Thomas Jefferson Graphic Organizers and Thesis Statements
- Does it follow the proper "Although thesis statement" format?
- Does it take a clear stance on the question, while acknowledging the counter argument?
- Does the thesis statement identify subcategories? Three?
- Does the "Although phrase identify a counter argument category?
- Example:
- Although Jefferson maintained Republican principles in several of his key economic decisions, to a greater extent, he abandoned these principles when necessary to provide for the national defense, to grow the territory of the nation, and to maintain neutrality in European conflicts.
So, did Jefferson remain true to Republican ideals?
- Republican Values:
- Limit role of Feds in favor of local control and state gov.
- Favored decentralized, agrarian government – farmers, wage earners, common folk.
- Ideal citizen = yeoman farmer
- Constitution – Strict Constructionist
- Rule by “educated” masses
- Pro-French
- Bill of rights sacred
- VA-KY resolves = states can nullify federal laws
- Opposed Hamilton’s BEFAT
- Vision of US as an agricultural society with self-sufficient farmers, little trade, free from city mobs.
- Yes:
- Displayed image of simple, agrarian man/president
- Dismantled aura of powerful pres. – written address to Congress (rather than in person - not a king)
- Reverse trend of ballooning gov. spending and decreased taxes.
- Abolished internal taxes (Hamilton's Whiskey tax)
- Cut staffing
- Cut national debt in half
- Reduced size of army
- Small navy (trade secondary to agriculture)
- General support for France
- Embargo Act of 1807 – negatively effected trade more than agriculture.
- Pardoned editors arrested through Sedition Act (John Adams administration)
- Alien law removed for easier naturalization (immigrants tend to be supporters of Dem.-Rep.)
- No:
- Used position to appoint fellow Republicans and loyal supporters (favoring the elite and their friends).
- Established military academies at Westpoint
- Increased Navy when necessary (Tripolitan War, Barbary pirates)
- Removed judges who opposed his policies
- Proposes/prepares for war against France and alliance with GB
- Louisiana Purchase
- Embargo Act – forceful national government
- Kept most of Hamilton’s BEFAT
3. War of 1812
- Crash Course - War of 1812
- War of 1812 Bicentennial: Why does no one remember the war that made Andrew Jackson famous?
- DBQ
-
Global Context: Napoleonic Wars (between GB and France)
- Foreign Policy goals: Protect Independence, Remain neutral, pursue economic interests/trade with foreign countries
- Causes of War:
- Trade: pursue Republican ideal “farmer society, needed markets for goods (had surplus product ), British restrictions (using British Navy to prevent Americans from trading with France) threatened access to world markets.
- British Impressment – taking American seamen and forcing them into British Navy
- GB support (provides arms) for Native American resistance in the “Northwest” (Great Lakes – Michigan/Illinois/Ohio)
- Territorial Expansion – America wants Canada and FL
- Partisan Politics – Federalists (Pro GB) v. Dem.-Rep. (Pro France)
- Macon’s Bill no. 2 - France agreed to stop restricting US trade (Brits did not, impressment)
- Prove US is Sovereign nation (prove strength against Brits – War hawks)
- Effects:
- Surge of nationalism
- Monroe Doctrine – US Supremacy in Western Hem. (gained more land - FL)
- Increased power of National Gov. vs. States
- Death of Federalist Party – Federalists in NE meet at the Hartford Convention and discuss NE seceding from the Union
- British gone from North West (disarmament of Great Lakes)
- White House burned down/Battle of Baltimore - national anthem written
- Battle of New Orleans – American victory, Andrew Jackson becomes national celebrity
- Proved US could stand up to British empire – confirmed sovereignty (“second war for independence”) we stood up to the bully and held our own”
- HW
- Ch. 8 Reading Assignment
- "War of 1812" DBQ - due: 10/27
- Final draft form (typed, Times New Roman, size 12, double spaced)
