Betrayal of an American President By His Vice President
by Two very famous American revolutionaries and friends, who worked side-by-side in 1770’s and 1780’s, provoking a movement that resulted into America gaining its independence from Great Britain, became bitter political enemies prior to running against each other for President in the election of 1800. And, who was James Callender?
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson shared a strong friendship and a significant list of accomplishments that included the Declaration of Independence and diplomatic stints in Europe that helped raise loans and support for what was to become the new, independent, American republic.
Thomas Jefferson image by Wikipedia
They were very different people, but shared common goals that overcame their cultural differences. Their respect and affection for each other was undeniable.
Adams was from New England; Jefferson, an aristocrat, from the South. Both were farmers; Adams from very humble beginnings; Jefferson, the graceful horseman and land baron – much of his wealth acquired through inheritance. Both were college educated. Adams never owned a slave and abhorred slavery; Jefferson owned slaves until he died.
Contrary to any criticism leveled against either of them throughout history, it is highly unlikely that America would have won its independence from Great Britain by 1783 without them.
The Jefferson-Adams split begun in 1789 when Jefferson believed the United States should offer significant support to French revolutionists who were overthrowing the French monarchy as France was fighting a series of wars against Great Britain.
Jefferson believed that the spirit of the French revolution was very much like that of the American revolution. And, it was America’s responsibility to extend its new found freedom and guiding principles to people everywhere that were willing to stand up to, and overthrow tyrannical monarchies. (Ironically, if it wasn’t for the French monarchy that was being overthrown, and the military assistance it provided to the American colonies in rebellion, America would probably have not gained its independence from Great Britain by 1783.) To Thomas Jefferson, a monarchy was a monarchy, and they all needed to go.
President George Washington and Vice President Adams did not want to not get involved with France’s problems and did not equate the raging bloodbath that was occurring in France as an identical twin of the American Revolution. Washington and Adams believed America’s long-term survivability necessitated that the young government should do all possible to remain neutral and, to establish some sort of peace with its former enemy, Great Britain.
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Post CommentRuby Hawk
On November 3, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Thank you for a good lesson in American history. It is always a most interesting subject.
deep blue
On November 4, 2009 at 8:11 am
American history and political beginnings at its best. Thanks for sharing.
thuanynguyen
On December 30, 2009 at 3:47 am
A great article, i like reading these kinds of article! well written also!
magicdarts
On January 2, 2010 at 5:16 am
fascinating to read about so much political intrigue in post independence America – thanks!
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa
On January 30, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Very interesting article, with information that I was never aware of.
Sharif Ishnin
On August 24, 2010 at 4:57 am
I never knew about the conflict broiling between the two. That was a great history lesson.