Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were two of the most talented men to ever serve in government. Both men, brought an insight into philosophy and human behavior and a passion for the nation. Hamilton and Jefferson would serve in the Cabinet together from 1790-1793, by the end of 1793 they were no longer speaking to one another.
Jefferson and Washington were both from Virginia. Both men inherited a large sum of money as young men. The two considered themselves to be farmers, and prided themselves on the quality of their plantations. They both owned slaves, and both married wealthy women. Despite having a very similar background, Washington tended to side with Hamilton over certain issues. This frustrated Jefferson, who felt that Washington was valuing Hamilton's ideas over his.
When fighting broke out in Europe following the French Revolution, Jefferson felt that it was the obligation of the United States to support the French in their struggles. Jefferson felt that it was the duty of the U.S. to support another democracy and spread the ideas of liberty and freedom. Having spent several years in France, Jefferson sympathized with the French and hoped that they would emerge victorious against Britain.
When Washington declared that the U.S. would remain neutral, Jefferson feels that it was the President's way of siding with Hamilton.
In regards to the economy, Hamilton's plan for a National Bank and a tariff on imported goods, made Jefferson feel that the American government was not following the Constitution faithfully. The Bank would be giving the National Government tremendous power and Jefferson felt that this could lead to a dictatorship.
Out of protest for the National Bank, Jefferson sent President Washington a letter of resignation in 1792. Washington encouraged his Secretary of State to wait until the end of 1793 before he considered leaving his office. During the year of 1792-1793, Jefferson's frustration with the government grew and he officially resigned on December 21, 1793.
He returned to his plantation of Monticello and promised to stay out of politics. His retirement is about as long as Brett Favre's. From his plantaion, Jefferson writes a series of articles that attacked Hamilton and his policies under various fake names.
Suddenly, Hamilton's background, his morals, and intentions are all brought under scrutiny. Some newspapers in Philadelphia and Virginia carry these lambasting articles that have authors with Roman and Greek names.
With the help of James Madison who is serving in the Congress, Jefferson is able to gather support from newspaper editors, Senators, and members of the House of Representatives. His followers refer to themselves as Democratic-Republicans. They believed the following:
1. Strong state government, weak national government
2. encouraging a nation of farmers over one of bankers and merchants
3. support for the French
4. strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution
Fearing Jefferson's influence over Congressmen and Senators, Alexander Hamilton began to seek out like minded individuals to help him carryout National policy. Hamilton's supporters were primarily from the North and tended to be business leaders and bankers.
Many farmers and planters agreed with the policies of Madison and Jefferson, and Democratic-Republican clubs formed in the South. Soon in Congress, members found themselves split between those that supported Jefferson and Madison and those that supported Alexander Hamilton.
As the nation's leaders became split over politics, the President became frustrated and concerned with the rise of factions in the nations.
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