There is NO evidence that Hamilton wanted war with France and TONS of evidence that he was desperate to avoid one. He admired the English constitution and understood the affinity between our people and the British. This is an old, hackneyed lie when, in fact, H was half French and French was his first language. He had many friends from his military days who were French, was president of the Society of the Cincinnati which allowed French officers to join and was even the refuge for LaFayette’s son when the murderers were in power in France.
He was very afraid that the French desire to conquer the world would bring the US into its sights as it did.
Adams had been trying to negotiate for years but the French would have none of it. Only after realizing that Hamilton was organizing our defense and would lead it did his wishes bear fruit. Hamilton’s opposition was not to peace but because he did not wish to see the US humiliated again as it had been when Marshall, Pickering and Gerry had been sent earlier in Adams administration.
Jefferson was playing footsie with the most deadly enemy facing the US. Much like if Biden was secretly undermining foreign policy with al Queda. Contemptible.
No competent authority believes the Constitution is limited to explicit powers and even Jefferson knew that is the case.
Jefferson was playing footsie with the most deadly enemy facing the US. Much like if Biden was secretly undermining foreign policy with al Queda
Last I checked, France never landed an attacking army in the United States and much to the contrary, actually gave us troops to expel another army - the British. As in the very same British that invaded us a decade before Hamilton played footsie with them and invaded us again a decade after Hamilton played footsie with them.
In other words, you've got your silly little analogy backwards.
There is NO evidence that Hamilton wanted war with France
Oh really? Then I wonder where this came from...
"If universal empire is still to be the pursuit of France, what can tend to defeat the purpose better than to detach South America from Spain, which is only the channel through which the riches of Mexico and Peru are conveyed to France? The executive ought to be put in a situation to embrace favorable conjunctures for effecting that separation. It is to be regretted that the preparation of an adequate military force does not advance more rapidly. There is some sad nonsense on this subject in some good heads. The reveries of some of the friends of the government are more injurious to it than the attacks of its declared enemies." - Alexander Hamilton, January 26, 1799
"Among other things, it should be agreed what precise force should be created, naval and land, and this proportioned to the state of our finances. It will be ridiculous to raise troops, and immediately after to disband them. Six ships of the line and twenty frigates and sloops of war are desirable. More would not now be comparatively expedient. It is desirable to complete and prepare the land force which has been provided for by law. Besides eventual security against invasion, we ought certainly to look to the possession of the Floridas and Louisiana, and we ought to squint at South America." - Hamilton, June 27, 1799
Not only did he want a war with France and Spain - the CERTAIN result if he carried out his plans for Louisiana and Florida - he was even talking about a future invasion of South America to add to his little empire. And all, of course, to ensure that the little standing army he had conveniently built up for himself "wouldn't go to waste."
And that is why Adams was speaking truthfully when he called Hamilton mad.