Federalists vs Republicans |
Hamilton's FederalistsThe Federalist Party was America's first political party, formed chiefly by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton during his tenure in George Washington's cabinet. The Federalist Party believed in strong central Government, a national banking system and good relations and trade with England. The Federalist Party quickly gained strength throughout New England and in the urban areas of the middle states. Jefferson's RepublicansThose who opposed the Federalist Party would become known as Republicans or Jeffersonians. Led by Thomas Jefferson, Republicans favored an agricultural economic base rather than one based on banking and opposed the idea of strengthening ties with Great Britain. Republicans dominated the politics of the Southern states and much of America's farmlands. Partisan Politics Threatened the New NationThe partisan politics that emerged in the 1700's threatened to tear the new country apart as Both Hamilton and Jefferson were key members of George Washington's cabinet. Washington tried unsuccessfully to mediate between the two, but was known to favor Hamilton's view on politics above anyone else. As a result, Jefferson would resign as Secretary of State in 1793, after he unsuccessfully introduced legislation in Congress that would have effectively dissolved Hamilton's position as Secretary of the Treasury. Republicans would win back the seat of power in 1801 with the election of Thomas Jefferson as President and the subsequent splitting of the Federalist Party. The Federalist Party would be virtually dissolved after expressing opposition to the War of 1812 and completely gone by 1825. The Federalist Party was the first political party in the United States. It was started by Alexander Hamilton when he was Secretary of the Treasury. Federalists wanted a strong central government, a national bank, and good trade and relations with Great Britain. The party became popular in New England and in big cities of the middle states. Jefferson's RepublicansPeople who disagreed with the Federalists became known as Republicans or Jeffersonians. Led by Thomas Jefferson, they believed the economy should be based on farming, not banking. They also wanted weaker ties with Britain. Republicans were strongest in the South and in farming areas. Political Fights and DivisionThe arguments between Federalists and Republicans caused serious problems for the new country. Both Hamilton and Jefferson were in President George Washington's cabinet, but they disagreed often. Washington tried to keep peace but usually agreed more with Hamilton. Jefferson was so frustrated that he quit his job as Secretary of State in 1793 after trying to remove Hamilton’s position. In 1801, Jefferson became President, and the Federalist Party began to fall apart. After the party opposed the War of 1812, it lost support and disappeared completely by 1825. |
