Social Science Models

Washington's Presidency: Materials

Listed below are the figures who will take part in the press conference, along with a summary of the views of each. Use this information to help you prepare for the press conference. This should be especially helpful to the Historians. 

John Baker:  Pennsylvania farmer and Revolution veteran.  Believed Hamilton's financial plan favored business interests over the farmers. Felt that eastern speculators had been allowed to take advantage of farmers in buying up devalued war bonds and obtaining title to western farmlands. Opposed assumption of state debts. Petitioned government to repeal the whiskey tax that he believed would bankrupt him and his neighbors. 

John Neville:  Pennsylvanian who served as a commandant during the Revolutionary War. In charge of establishing a tax collector's office in the Western counties of Pennsylvania. Saw first hand the violent tactics of rebels when his home was burned. Advocate of a strong government that would enforce respect for law, order, and property. 

Alexander Hamilton:  Served as Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolution. Chosen as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Felt the complex decisions of the nation should be placed on the shoulders of the educated upper class. He supported big business and a strong centralized government. Attempted to restructure the nation's economic system by assuming the states' debts, establishing a national bank, and creating revenue through taxes. His excise tax on whiskey caused a rebellion in Western Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Jefferson:  Virginian who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. A strong advocate of an agricultural society of small landowners.  Served as Secretary of State in Washington's administration where he opposed Alexander Hamilton's plan to expand the role of the federal government. He believed it went beyond powers granted to the new government in the Constitution. Advocate of U.S. support for the French Revolution. Became one of the founders of Republican opposition to Hamilton's Federalist Party. 

Benjamin Ballard:  Wealthy New York merchant who was involved in rum manufacturing. Early investor in the American textile industry. He was interested in politicians who supported favorable trade policies and opposed Jefferson's negative views on big business. Thought the government should play a larger role in order to ensure protection for his ships and property. 

George Washington:  Virginian who served as commander of the Continental Army, chairman of the  Constitutional Convention, and first president of the United States. Hoped to mediate between the very different visions of the new nation held by his most  prominent cabinet members, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Washington faced many difficult decisions concerning the proper role of the federal government in the life of the new nation. 

Jacob Cornish:  North Carolinian farmer and war veteran who valued his independent lifestyle and advocated government based in local communities. Strongly opposed the new financial  plan, particularly tariffs that he believed would have a negative effect on his living as a tobacco farmer. Worried that excise taxes would drain all cash out of the agricultural areas and benefit only those on the northeast coast.