Mystery Document 1
Source: George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796.
“"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
Question 1
George Washington viewed political parties with skepticism and warned against their potential to undermine democracy and empower unscrupulous individuals. In his Farewell Address of 1796, he cautioned that while parties might initially serve popular interests, they could ultimately become tools for ambitious and deceitful individuals to seize control of government, leading to the erosion of democratic principles and the subversion of the people's power. He believed that such parties could enable the rise of unjust dominion, as those who gain power through them might later destroy the very systems that facilitated their ascent. This reflects Washington's concern that political factions could prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the nation, posing a threat to its stability and governance.
Question 3
Explain what this map tells us about political parties in 1800 using evidence from the image to support your answer.
During the election of 1800, the two main political parties were the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party. The Federalist Party, led by John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong central government and close ties with Britain. The Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for states' rights and a more agrarian society, while also favoring closer ties with France. In the electoral college results, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, running as Democratic-Republicans, won the election, defeating the incumbent President John Adams, who was a Federalist. Jefferson and Burr received 73 electoral votes each, resulting in a tie, which was resolved by the House of Representatives in Jefferson's favor.
Source: Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 1798.
"In every free and deliberating society, there must, from the nature of man, be opposite parties, and violent dissensions and discords; and one of these, for the most part, must prevail over the other for a longer or shorter time."
Question 5
How did Jefferson feel about political parties? Explain your answer with evidence from the text.
Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the inevitability of political parties in free societies but viewed them with a certain level of skepticism. In his letter to John Taylor in 1798, he recognized the natural tendency for opposing parties and the accompanying conflicts to arise in any deliberative society. However, Jefferson's use of terms like "violent dissensions and discords" suggests a concern about the potential for parties to foster division and conflict within the political system. Despite accepting their existence as a natural consequence of human nature and differing viewpoints, Jefferson's tone implies a cautionary attitude towards the disruptive effects of political partisanship on society.
Source: This political cartoon was one of the first used in a presidential campaign in 1800. Ratification of the Federal Constitution, 1787–1790. The cartoon shows Jefferson trying to throw a copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence into the fire and being stopped by an American eagle, which is a symbol of American freedom.
Question 7
Based on this image how do you think the creator felt about Thomas Jefferson? Explain your answer with evidence from the cartoon.
The creator of the political cartoon likely held negative sentiments towards Thomas Jefferson. The portrayal of Jefferson attempting to throw a copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence into the fire suggests a disdain for his political beliefs or actions. Additionally, the intervention of the American eagle, a symbol of American freedom and patriotism, to prevent Jefferson from discarding these foundational documents implies that Jefferson's actions were perceived as a threat to the principles of liberty and democracy. The juxtaposition of Jefferson's actions with the protective stance of the eagle implies a critique of Jefferson's perceived disregard for the values enshrined in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Overall, the cartoon suggests a critical view of Jefferson's political ideology or actions, portraying him as opposed to the fundamental principles of American democracy.
Source: George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796.
“"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
Question2
Why do you think he felt this way? Explain your answer.
George Washington likely felt this way due to his deep commitment to the principles of republicanism and his experiences during the American Revolutionary War and his presidency. As a staunch believer in the importance of unity and national cohesion, he saw political parties as potentially divisive forces that could undermine the unity of the nation. Additionally, his firsthand observation of the challenges and conflicts arising from the formation of early political factions in the United States likely reinforced his skepticism towards parties. Furthermore, Washington's concern for the long-term health of the republic led him to worry about the potential for political parties to prioritize their own interests over the common good, thereby threatening the stability and success of the fledgling nation.
Question 4
What does this map show us about national unity in 1800? Explain your answer.
The electoral results of 1800 reflect significant divisions within the United States and indicate a lack of national unity at the time. The fact that Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, representing the Democratic-Republican Party, tied with 73 electoral votes each, while John Adams, a Federalist, trailed behind, underscores the deep political polarization and regional differences within the country. The election highlighted the stark ideological contrasts between the Federalists, who favored a strong central government and closer ties with Britain, and the Democratic-Republicans, who advocated for states' rights and a more agrarian society with closer ties to France. The need for the House of Representatives to resolve the tie further emphasizes the contentious nature of the political landscape, suggesting a fractured and divided nation rather than one united behind a common vision or leadership.
Source: Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 1798.
"In every free and deliberating society, there must, from the nature of man, be opposite parties, and violent dissensions and discords; and one of these, for the most part, must prevail over the other for a longer or shorter time."
Question 6
How do Washington’s views (in Document A) and Jefferson’s views (in Document C) compare? Explain with evidence.
Washington and Jefferson held somewhat contrasting views on political parties, although both recognized their existence as inevitable in a free society. Washington, in his Farewell Address of 1796, expressed deep skepticism towards political parties, warning of their potential to undermine democracy and enable unscrupulous individuals to seize power. He viewed them as potentially dangerous entities that could threaten the stability and integrity of the nation. In contrast, Jefferson, in his letter to John Taylor in 1798, acknowledged the natural presence of political parties in society but did not express the same level of concern as Washington. While Jefferson recognized the likelihood of "violent dissensions and discords" arising from opposing parties, he seemed to accept them as a normal aspect of political life rather than inherently destructive forces. Jefferson's attitude appears more resigned to the inevitability of parties, whereas Washington's tone reflects a more proactive concern for their potential negative consequences.
Source: This political cartoon was one of the first used in a presidential campaign in 1800. Ratification of the Federal Constitution, 1787–1790. The cartoon shows Jefferson trying to throw a copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence into the fire and being stopped by an American eagle, which is a symbol of American freedom.
Question 8
Do you think this cartoon influenced public opinion on Jefferson, why or why not?
It's plausible that this cartoon could have influenced public opinion on Thomas Jefferson, particularly among those who were already predisposed to be critical of him or his political views. Political cartoons are often effective tools for shaping public perception by conveying complex ideas or criticisms in a visually impactful manner. In this case, the cartoon portrays Jefferson in a negative light, suggesting that he is hostile to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, which are revered symbols of American freedom and democracy. For individuals who were already skeptical of Jefferson or his policies, seeing him depicted in such a manner could reinforce their negative opinions of him. However, for those who supported Jefferson, the cartoon may have been dismissed as biased or unfair propaganda. Overall, while the cartoon may have influenced some individuals' opinions of Jefferson, its impact would likely have varied depending on the viewer's existing beliefs and attitudes.