Hamilton - Jefferson Feud by Weird History - Historian Reaction

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[cakt]

Eliza is the one I support in all of this. Her capacity to forgive her husband for his affair and the work she did to preserve his legacy after he died are admirable, and I’m glad she’s been getting more attention from historical novelists in recent years. I respect the positive contributions of both Hamilton and Jefferson, but the weaknesses and pettiness on both their parts make it hard to pick a side.

[Quixotic]

I think with all his accomplishments the most impressive thing about this feud is how they played it out in rhyme and meter

[thealic]

I like how Jefferson came back from France, and they were like “you’re secretary a state now, whether you like it or not.”

[detsportsfan]

To be fair with Hamilton, there was a million things he hadn't done, but one just had to wait...

[mattperiolat]

I am so glad you mentioned that letter from Eliza Hamilton to James Monroe. You can clearly see why Alexander loved her - they both could use a pen to articulate themselves quite well. And you are almost understating the depth of the grudge she held. Actually, two funny stories - Jefferson may have hated Hamilton and yet, there is a bust of Hamilton in the front parlor of Monticello among political minds Jefferson appreciated. So… with great disagreement comes grudging respect? Also, I visited Highland, Monroe’s estate, a few years ago and happened to ask a docent about Monroe’s relationship with other political figures. I didn’t mean Hamilton, but she immediately thought of Washington and apparently Washington couldn’t STAND Monroe toward the end of his life. I don’t know any details, but it’s fascinating how many bridges Monroe managed to burn on his way to the White House.

[mcpossum]

I can't even watch historical videos on Hamilton without ear buds. I scarred my kid with too much "Hamilton"

[richeybaumann]

28:40 honestly, that's exactly the kind of grudge I respect. Eliza was _not_ a fan of James Monroe.

[vineyarddawg]

"Well, Hamilton says Jefferson is a hypocritical, corrupt slaveowner, and Jefferson says Hamilton is a corrupt, authoritarian, monarchist hothead. You see the problem."
"Yes, they're both right."

[soumajitsen]

Although I am in favour of Hamilton in this feud and believe that Hamilton's vision for the US was more accurate than Jefferson's, the two represented the poles of politics and balanced each other out. Without Hamilton, I am unsure if the USA would have become an economic powerhouse, and without Jefferson, I wonder how far Hamilton would have gone with his concept of strong central government, we all know how that can turn out to be.

[TheMitchyb]

Just wanted to say, that you did a heck of a good thing for Decades Yesterday! I went and subscribed and so did about 9, 000 other people! You’re a good man!

[stuartm]

Hi Chris, you mentioned in the Video that the rural/urban divide would define the country for the next 100 years. I would respectfully submit that this divide is still going on into the present day. Red states versus blue states.

[joematthews]

Well, being British, I'm predisposed to siding with Hamilton, who was himself pro British, over the pro French Jefferson. I have to say that on their political views, I find my sympathies lie with Hamilton, but again, as a Brit, the idea of "States Rights" isn't really a thing so I am bound to say that. In terms of their character, I think Hamilton was a far better man than Jefferson, but I think most would agree that Jefferson doesn't take much beating in that regard. So, overall, that's 3-0 to Hamilton.

I should just note however, in the interest if fairness, I do accept that Jefferson was a good President.

[Ghatbkk]

I am definitely a Jefferson proponent. Hamilton's view may have lead to a stronger economy, but it did it at the cost of both individual liberty as well as liberty for the United States as a whole. It's worth noting that Jefferson, Madison and Monroe would serve as Presidents for 6 consecutive terms, and that the country would be solidly behind the Republican-Democrats and not in favor of the Federalist viewpoint for decades (the Federalists would basically disappear). Hamilton's ideas are mostly shelved by Gallatin (who proves to be a much better Secretary of the Treasury) and completely derailed by President Jackson. Hamilton's ideas aren't resurrected until Woodrow Wilson does so (I find it interesting that you take Hamilton's side given your position regarding Wilson).

As noted, Hamilton was a monarchist (even proposing during the Constitutional Convention that the USA adopt the British government form as is, just substituting an elected Monarch). Hamilton cared not at all about the people struggling like he had, he wanted a new aristocracy and he wanted to be in it. While Jefferson demonstrated over and over that it was the people is who he thought should choose how they were governed. Hamilton may have not liked Jefferson because he saw Jefferson as an aristocrat (I doubt this, but I will yield that it is possible), but it was Hamilton advocating for an aristocracy and Jefferson advocating for the rights of the people and even popular vote.

[JGibz-egjd]

he got epsteined! what a great comparison. couldn't stop laughing

[wwciii]

I have always admired John Adams while Washington retired when he wanted to and passed the torch to his hand picked successor Adams was voted out of office and turned the presidency over to someone he disliked (hated).

[jaded]

I'm more philosophically aligned with Jefferson myself. Reading his opinions on governance and even his attempt to end slavery in the nation where it was still firmly embedded, “You know that nobody wishes more ardently to see an abolition not only of the trade but of the condition of slavery: and certainly nobody will be more willing to encounter every sacrifice for that object.” This would include his attempting addition of a slavery abolition amendment which was shot down by the others. Being over a decade or more younger than many of the others, he often seems like the 18th-century equivalent of the optimistic 'young man' among older more resigned people, like Washington, who knows that it would be impossible to sway others to that way of thinking at that time. Individual liberty, the autonomy of self, I could see what he was dreaming of and that dream caught me. Among other things, made me realize that there was someone living in that time who did have those thoughts back then. Some of his 'rants' do a real good job of describing later figures who rapidly increased our international role and subjected us to a wider, 'global' standard which is being confronted by and trying to enforce itself through various organizations in multiple countries at this point. Tbh, Historical figures will be judged in varying ways that seems to forget that they are human. I recall it being suggested that Jefferson could have possibly had Asperger's, judging by his manner and actions. His preference for 'bookishness' over more 'manly' pursuits and his constant studying of various disciplines was always interesting to me, like the mechanical novelties at Monticello. Much that leads me to wonder if he may have been more similar to Franklin, had he not had to consider 'appearances' and maintain the 'image' of 18th century 'upper-crust'. Who knows, but as I said, despite their larger-than-life images, they are all human, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, their imperfections are part of that.

[dodgermartin]

Long live JEFFERSON's memory as a GREAT American.

[williamstocker]

I wonder if Washington hadn’t died in 1799 and lived maybe another decade would he have tried to intervene in the Burr/Hamilton duel

[dambreaker]

200 years later, politicians still act the same way. (Minus the dueling.)

[irondwarf]

Love your videos. On this occasion we disagree asi tend to prefer Jefferson even with his flaws to Hamilton who was disliked even by members of his owm party (Im thinking John Adams in particular) and strikes mr in everyway as a man who would have strangled the republic in his pursuit of power.