Jefferson And Hamilton: A Rivalry That Forged The Nation

Jefferson and Hamilton: A Rivalry that Forged the Nation
The book, Jefferson and Hamilton: A Rivalry that Forged the Nation, written by John E. Ferling was published on October 1, 2013. John E. Ferling has written other books in this subject area. Some of his other works include: The Loyalist Mind, A Wilderness of Miseries, and Almost a Miracle. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton are the main characters. Although, John Adams is a secondary characters who play a significant role in this nonfiction literature.
There are four stages of this book, the first describing the family life and childhood of both men. The second focuses on the causes for both joining the rebel cause. The third discusses each man’s political standings. Lastly, the fourth focuses on the struggle between the two and their supporters.
The Central theme and focus of the book is the differences and conflicts between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and how they got to be two of the Founding Fathers in the United States. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had the biggest impact over the debate on the Nation’s course of future experimentation of democracy. Both men had a huge impact on the early republic of our nation. Thomas Jefferson believed in individual liberty and states’ rights with a weaker central government. Meanwhile, Alexander Hamilton was more focused on centralized government and public debt. He feared chaos and social disorder while trying to obtain a powerful government that could guarantee the nation’s economic security. This conflict ended with Thomas Jefferson as president and the death of Alexander Hamilton, who was shot by Aaron Burr, Jefferson’s vice president, in a pistol duel. One of the quotes that really stood out is on page , “Were people to mingle only with those of like mind, every man would be an insulate being.” this is important because Thomas Jefferson is explaining the effects of not widening your person group in which you speak. Every person needs to communicate to each other for a better understanding and intellectual knowing of what you both mean. Another important quote I found is on page ,” But England’s degeneration had also allegedly occured because it’s modern financial system had produced unimaginable riches for the few and deepening poverty for the many, widening the gap between rich and poor, and cursing the land with a malignant tyranny that ate away at the liberties once enjoyed by Englishmen.” This is a quote of Alexander Hamilton justifying his reasoning for a new economic system. He wasn’t born in America, therefore he knows from the experience of other places what to do in the case of fixing and improving the financial system in America.
In my personal opinion, this book was very informative and I was able to see the significance of both Jefferson and Hamilton’s role in history.
The reason I was able to see the impact they had on our country is because John E. Ferling, the author, described the hardships and successes of each person in great detail starting from the very beginning and continuing on all the way to the very end of their lives. John E. Ferling approached this book with a higher opinion of Jefferson, but gained greater appreciation for Hamilton towards the end. I enjoyed learning more about the forming of our nation and the lives of some of our founding fathers. I am inclined to learn more about the characters in the book because the play, ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway is something I’ve wanted to see for a while. I’m interested to see how similar and accurate the play is compared to the book. This author’s writing style is something I enjoyed reading, but I don’t think reading another one of his books is something I’d take part in. My recommendation for this book would be to read it for school and other educational purposes, but only read it for pleasure if you thoroughly enjoy
history.