AboutMichael Troy Expertise I can answer just about any question on early American History. My specialties are the American Revolution through the Civil War/Reconstruction. I also have greater expertise in matters relating to military, political or legal history.
Experience I have lectured at George Washington University regarding the Civil War, as well as several elementary school Civil War demonstrations. I was also a member of a Civil War reenactment group for about 10 years.
Education/Credentials J.D. University of Michigan
B.A. George Washington University
Expert: Michael Troy Date: 6/13/2008 Subject: Hamilton vs. jefferson
Question I'm suppose to choose a side and validate why? My problem is I get their views, Hamilton wanted to help the U.S. make money and expand with the national bank, Jefferson wanted state banks, he felt that the national might cause trouble(tyranny)and wanted what he felt was best for the people but, I don't know why I should choose either. How would or did both impact us, the government is in debt now, would things have been diffrent if jefferson had won?
Answer Hi Ana,
Hamilton was clearly on the right track. The government today is actually far stronger, larger, and more involved in people's lives than even Hamilton ever dreamed. The agriculturally based, state-government type that Jefferson favored never had much of a realistic chance. We saw during the Civil War how the industrialism and unified nationalism of the north was much more effective against the agricultural and state-rights view of the south.
Even Jefferson seemed to concede that his views were initial views were not realistic. When he became President, he supported a number of government initiatives where the federal government exceeded powers he thought they should not have. Later in life, he came to support a number of other larger government initiatives as well, as did his top supporters such as Madison.
Yes, government is in debt now, but imagine how poor the nation would be if there was not industrial revolution to build up the US economy. Imagine how the US would have done in WWI and WWII if there had been not industrial engine to build the large military necessary to defend the nation and its allies.
Clearly, Hamilton's views were the wave of the future.
