Thomas Jefferson's Political Survival Amidst Opposition to George Washington
Despite the universally adored status of George Washington, there were moments of political disagreement. However, Thomas Jefferson managed to maintain his political standing even after openly feuding with Washington and not attending his funeral. This article explores the dynamics of their relationship and the factors that contributed to Jefferson's political survival.
The Context of George Washington's Leadership
George Washington's success can be attributed in part to his ability to manage his personal and professional relationships. He was known for his 'quiet dignity' and often let his cabinet handle debates and conflicts. However, Washington's ability to maintain a good image was also due to his skill in managing public perception and his limited public speaking abilities.
Calvin Coolidge, a later president, was similarly known for his 'lack of public speaking prowess.' Despite this, he managed to carry out his duties effectively. Washington's personal 'presence' was more silent than vocal, and he allowed his cabinet to resolve conflicts.
Thomas Jefferson's Feuds and Political Stance
Thomas Jefferson and George Washington initially enjoyed a relatively good working relationship. Jefferson enjoyed the 'confidence' of Washington and generally liked him. However, Jefferson began to publicly criticize Alexander Hamilton, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Washington. Jefferson was not much of a 'public speaker,' but he began to write articles that were critical of Hamilton and his supporters.
It's important to note that Jefferson's belief that Washington was being 'misled' by Hamilton was misplaced. Washington did not take kindly to these personal attacks and viewed them as 'private conflict.' Jefferson's writings were seen as attacks on the Federalist party, which Washington supported.
The Funeral and Burial of George Washington
George Washington requested a simple, private funeral and burial in his home at Mount Vernon. However, the funeral turned into a grand celebration for the Federalist Party, featuring John Adams and a specially prepared 'burial vault' beneath the rotunda of the Capital. The vault is still there, empty, to this day. Martha Washington, in contrast, ensured that her husband would be buried in Mount Vernon.
Jefferson's absence from the funeral was most likely intentional. As Vice President, he was the head of the opposition party, and Martha Washington did not want him present. This aligns with the political climate at the time, where the Vice President represented the second-place party in the election.
Jefferson's Political Survival
Jefferson's political survival was not in direct opposition to the memory of Washington, as Washington was too dignified to become involved in partisan politics. Jefferson faced challenges primarily from the actions of John Adams and Alexander Hamilton after Washington's death.
Jefferson's supporters outnumbered those who supported Adams, especially after the Alien and Sedition Acts. These acts, alongside the ousting of Hamilton's supporters from Adams' cabinet, created a deep rift within the Federalist Party that it never recovered from.
However, comparing Jefferson's political survival to modern-day politics, much like looking at how Donald Trump won despite being 'nasty' to a popular Obama, or how Hillary Clinton faced challenges from independent voters, Jefferson's situation was unique. He was not opposing a memory, but navigating the complex political landscape of the early 1800s.
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson's political survival amidst these challenges is a testament to his political acumen and the shifting political landscape of early America. His ability to navigate the complexities of party politics, despite his personal feuds and disagreements, illustrates the intricate nature of early American politics and the enduring impact of historical figures like Washington.