Hamilton, who was always ahead of the curve, tells Jefferson why the newly formed United States needs a Treasury and centralized government in the HBO miniseries, John Adams. Jefferson always suspected Hamilton and the Treasury were corrupt, but upon ascending to the presidency, his own Secretary of Treasury, Albert Gallatin, called it the most perfect system ever formed and any changes would be devastating. Jefferson had no choice but to cede to Hamilton’s system.
For more on Hamilton, pick up Ron Chernow’s brilliant biography on one of the great patriots of all time.
Adding comments has been disabled because of too many idiots saying Hamilton “got what was coming to him”, “Burr was right to kill him”, “I wish he was dead sooner”, etc. Whatever you think of anyone’s politics, to wish death on someone is pathetic.
Duration : 0:4:34
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“Greater the debt, …
“Greater the debt,the greater the credit”…………mmmmmhh ??
This video does not …
This video does not do justice to Hamilton’s character. It only lightly skims over why Hamilton preferred a national debt and does not even strike at the heart of his arguments. If Hamilton were really to explain/defend his plan to the room, he would have launched into a never-ending volley of words.
It is sad that we now despise the man who gave flesh to the US government. After all, his Federalist Papers has been cited over 300 times by the Supreme Court.
Might I remind you …
Might I remind you that Washington was not a tool of Hamilton. Both Washington and Hamilton went to PA, Hamilton in place of the indisposed Sec. of War, with a mind of “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” It was the whiskey rebellion, after all, and PA did nothing to quell the insurrection. Washington did not send the military to collect the taxes. No, he set it to stop Pennsylvania from destroying the property of Free individual. Should he have let federal laws to be ignored?
I agree! Hamilton …
I agree! Hamilton was both “bad” and an “ass.” An who was bad for our country.
In Western …
In Western Pennsylvania, Hamilton had Washington dispatch 13,000 conscripts to enforce the whiskey tax with military power. Free individuals were trading whiskey as a commodity in W. Penn and were avoiding tax since they weren’t using the dollar. Hamilton then enacted the Whiskey Tax, and like King George, used military force to collect this tax. This guy you commented to, efs120, is prolific on this page loving Hamilton but he’s missing the point: Burr should have shot the sooner.
Your comments are …
Your comments are prolific in number here.
If Hamilton is a true patriot, how do explain his treatment of the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania? Individuals were trading whiskey as a commodity in their free enterprises and were not using currency. Hamilton then dispatched 13,000 conscripts to enforce the whiskey tax, much like George the III for the Stamp Act. You have to admit; it is hypocritical to the revolutionary ideal of the newly formed US.
The Louisana …
The Louisana Purchase wasn’t about world power; that’s a really maximalist idea and a simplistic conclusion. I’m assuming you don’t disagree with the purchase which doubled the US’s land mass but rather reaffirming your position Hamilton, the Federalist, was politically and economically enlightened and Jefferson was actually an autocrat.
Life expectancy …
Life expectancy wasn’t nearly as high then as it is today. If you think people could retire at 40 under any circumstances today, then live for 30-40 years without working, you are completely insane.
Hamilton was such a …
Hamilton was such a badass.
both hamilton and …
both hamilton and jefferson were right
hamilton knew that the nation needed a strong fed
but jefferson saw all the evils that could arise from such a situation
these were brilliant men
True Patriots had a …
True Patriots had a thing called… Boston Tea Party. They boycotted taxes, They boycotted central banks, and they boycotted large government.
Taxation is stealing, inflation is stealing,
The Fed and the government and the IRS are crooks.
If you believe otherwise, decline the governments services, and don’t pay taxes. They’ll send over police and if you resist, you’ll be shot!
Wall street’s …
Wall street’s problems are merely a symptom of the broken system. Bernie Madoff wouldn’t cause the problems he did. The only reason people trusted him is because the SEC gave the stamp of approval. In true free market capitalism people would be able to see the scammers, they would actually have to do their own research rather than rely on “triple A ratings” that are BS anyways, and people would earn a return that would at least match inflation by holding gold-dollars, rather than losing value.
With Jefferson’s …
With Jefferson’s principals in place gold and silver would be currency, people would retire at 40 as was common back then, people would not have to spend their lives working just to maintain their shelter, and we would be free from large government control. Ever $1000 that’s taken in taxes $800 goes to large corporations. That doesn’t count the fact that the federal reserve prints 8 trillion when the US presidents have to beg for every billion.
And future generations would not continue to suffer
It does not do any …
It does not do any good to say that Jefferson or Hamilton is entirely right or entirely wrong or one is pure good and the other is pure evil. Both men had concerns that were specific to the reality of their times.
Yes, it is a crime …
Yes, it is a crime that we celebrate true patriots in this country.
Hamilton is slime. …
Hamilton is slime. It’s a crime we celebrate his memory.
So, you think …
So, you think people in Wall Street are angels , huh? It was all the fed’s fault?
Jefferson is right …
Jefferson is right on.. but Hamilton obviously wins and gave us the mess we have today. Jefferson’s assessment is dead on.
i think, that …
i think, that Jefferson took Hamilton to school. He knew exactly what those politicians were doing. Increase the federal aka northern economic power in the country while the southern states become subservient. Although they fought for freedom, Adams and Hamilton differed greatly from Jefferson and would have gladly set up another Monarchy. Hence, Washington’s comment to Adams. Jefferson seems to be the only one interested in actual, “liberty” and the ideals of the Revolution.
Oh I take it back!! …
Oh I take it back!!! Washington at the end proves brevity is the soul of wit, “Mr. President, and nothing more.” Does your mother sew? BAM, get her to sew that! lol.
I don’t like how …
I don’t like how they had Washington just sit there as if he would have nothing to say. He would agree much with Jefferson. It is a shame but then it is HBO.
You are right. …
You are right. Jefferson trusted the people but did not call for anarchy. He respected the Republic and its need for seperation of powers.
Hamilton is in fact a “useful idiot.” I do respect the man but he remember, he also wanted Kings ruling the nation.
Ben Franklin warned of people like this with mans “inlcination for a kingly government.” We are seeing it today actually.
Hamilton is a …
Hamilton is a bastard
Alexander Hamilton …
Alexander Hamilton takes Jefferson to school and teaches him how to create credit crunches.
He was …
He was Vice-President, thus, in that time, not a member of the cabinet. The power of Vice President was very limited back then(still is, but not to the extent.)