Thomas Jefferson: A Study in Contradiction
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the apparent contradiction between Thomas Jefferson as a champion of freedom, liberty, and democracy, and Thomas Jefferson the aristocrat and slave owner.
Alexander Hamilton: Target of Republican Mistrust
Historian Peter Onuf says that Republicans both feared and respected Alexander Hamilton, believing that he wanted to make the United States over in the image of Britain. "Many of Hamilton's troubles," Professor Onuf explains, "...go back to the Cons...
Federalism
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about the tension inherent in the relationship between the United States federal government and the states. "American federalism is the emergence out of the origins of the country," Professor Bailyn explains...
Louisiana Purchase, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson's interest in the Louisiana territory was not driven by a desire to double the size of the United States. Knowing that France had an interest in New Orleans, Jefferson was concerned that the new we...
Jefferson, Adams, and the Constitution
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the roles played by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in the early days of the United States. Professor Onuf explains that when Jefferson was elected President in 1800 (following Adams), he wanted to, "...overthrow the...
Madison's Dilemma
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the dilemma of James Madison, who was torn between following the Constitution as closely as possible, and yet recognizing the need to put financial resources towards what Professor Onuf calls, "establish(ing) a robus...
Meeting at Annapolis
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the meeting at Annapolis, convened to amend the Articles of Confederation. While those efforts failed, because not enough states attended and the agenda was too limited, the eventual result was better than anyone cou...
Ratification Debate, The
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about the importance of the ratification debate for the eventual success of the United States Constitution. "Once it was clear that there would be amendments to it that would carry the principles of the Anti...
Articles of Confederation, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that the Articles of Confederation represented the only way of creating an effective alliance among the American provinces. However, Professor Onuf adds that the Articles of Confederation were limited in their usefulnes...
American Revolution,The : Radical or Conservative?
Historian Peter Onuf explains that historians "argue endlessly about whether (American Revolution, The ) is a real revolution because, as with other modern movements, American Revolution, The is, in many ways, conservative. It aims to preserve liber...