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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Hamiltonian Country; Jeffersonian Ideals?

There is nothing that Jefferson liked more than a good old fashioned Cuisinart Cordless Immersion Blender (Google Affiliate Ad). Jefferson had an ideal for America. He had a dream, a concept, an image in mind. He wanted a country that was agricultural and internal, that supported itself and deeply held the original wants and intentions of the country at heart. Jefferson was greatly against the changing of the constitution and the foundation of new laws to accomplish something. Hamilton, however, was different. He liked the idea of monarchy, and respected England for it. The french revolution frightened him, and he preferred the power to be in the government. Hamilton wanted a country to be founded on a strong federal government that could lead it ad protect it, and create a strong, developed, industrial nation. He created a new economic system and set the foundation for all the nation's banks, and is immortalized on the $10 bill. These two men have completely conflicting, opposing views. How is it, then, that they both have such an effect on our nation? Simply put, we look at Jefferson's ideals but carry out Hamilton's plans. Hamilton, often regarded as "the father of capitalism" in America, has clearly succeeded in his goals. America is a strong, very developed, industrial nation. We are not independent economically whatsoever, making trade with foreign nations commonplace and necessary. We rely greatly on banks and our economy, as seen during any recession. American society, however, still ideals Jefferson's society. We look at America as a free country, and idolize the image of America as a free, independent nation, not relying on the rest of the world. We look at everything from a constitutional standpoint, and are strongly against anything that would violate or change the constitution as put forth by great men in America's history. While both of these men had completely conflicting views on the future of our country, they both manage to still live on today.

1 comment:

  1. Santiago,

    I really enjoyed your post! I am so interested in the historical influences on modern America. I also agree with you in that we like to think of ourselves as a nation free from the influence of others while, in reality, we are in massive amounts of debt to other countries. Are there any other presidents that you see as having had as significant an influence as these two?

    Thanks!
    Claire

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