Government by Committee: President's Changing Leadership Responsibilities
Throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries Congress jealously guarded its legislative powers. But as the nation moved from an agrarian to an industrial society, stronger presidential leadership became necessary. Woodrow Wilson viewed the preside...
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.
Thomas Jefferson and Slavery
Historian Peter Onuf talks about reasons why Thomas Jefferson didn't free his slaves. Professor Onuf explains that one reason was Jefferson's personal financial debt. "For financial reasons, (his) estate wouldn't allow it." But the other reason was ...
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...
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...
Jefferson Before The Revolution
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson wrote what may scholars consider to be a "rehearsal" for the Declaration of Independence when he wrote an incendiary pamphlet called the Summary Review of the Rights of British America.
Jefferson's Embargo
Historian Peter Onuf talks about Jefferson's embargo, which he calls, "one of the great tragic set pieces of American history." Professor Onuf also describes the sentiment in the United States leading up to President James Madison's declaration of w...
Peace of Paris, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that the 1783 Peace of Paris that followed the Revolutionary War was a mixed blessing for the Americans, because, "...much of American history for the next generation will be about the difficulty of consolidating Americ...
Not Much of a War: Support for Independence Intensifies
Colonial support for independence intensifies with the circulation of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. Three weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress meets at the state house in Philadelphia with delegates fr...