Was Jefferson Surprised When Hamilton Endorsed Him Over Burr?

The 1800 presidential election in early American history was a pivotal moment, filled with ideological disagreements and personal rivalries. Major players in this election were Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. One of the most surprising developments was Hamilton’s endorsement of Jefferson over Burr, a decision that had significant implications for the election's outcome.

The Political Landscape of 1800

At the time, ideological divides ran deep within the American political system. Hamilton, a proponent of a strong federal government, held fundamentally different views from Jefferson, who championed states' rights and agrarian interests. Despite these differences, the ideological gap between Jefferson and Hamilton was not the only factor at play.

Hamilton’s Decision to Endorse Jefferson

Hamilton’s motivation for endorsing Jefferson was rooted in a perceived greater threat from Burr. Hamilton viewed Burr as a more significant threat to the nation than Jefferson. Burr's political ambitions and perceived lack of principles alarmed Hamilton, leading him to support Jefferson in an effort to prevent Burr from securing the presidency.

This unexpected endorsement played a crucial role in the election's outcome. It helped sway some Federalist votes in Jefferson's favor, contributing to his eventual victory. The surprise nature of this endorsement highlights the complexities of early American politics and the personal rivalries that influenced political decisions.

The Personal Rivalries

The relationship between Hamilton and Burr was not one of friends but neither were they enemies. They never reconciled after their clash in the Battle of New York in 1776. George Washington himself intervened in the dispute, but the animosity between the two men persisted.

The Battle of New York and Its Aftermath

During the Battle of New York, Hamilton was surrounded and was following orders to hold his position at all costs. Burr, who was of higher rank, came to Hamilton's rescue. However, Hamilton did not appreciate Burr's commanding attitude. This event marked the beginning of a bitter rivalry that continued for years, culminating in the notorious duel just a decade later.

Hamilton’s Choice Between Jefferson and Burr

When it came to the 1800 election, Hamilton’s choice was clear. While he and Burr were ideological opposites, their mutual hatred of one another was a driving factor. Jefferson and Hamilton may have disagreed on many policies, but they at least maintained a level of civility. For Hamilton, the choice to endorse Jefferson over Burr was a no-brainer, given the perceived threat that Burr posed to the nation.

Jefferson and Hamilton’s Agonizing Disagreements

One of the few topics that Jefferson and Hamilton could agree upon was their mutual disdain for Aaron Burr. Their shared antipathy was rooted in Burr's perceived opportunism. Burr believed in finding the will of his constituents and acting on it, which Hamilton and Jefferson saw as a lack of principles.

Ironically, Burr's approach to politics was the very thing that made him the object of Hamilton's and Jefferson's disdain. According to Hugh S. Legaré, Hamilton and Jefferson viewed Burr as a self-serving opportunist, a perspective that neither Hamilton nor Jefferson shared. Their mutual hatred for Burr underscored their belief that he lacked the necessary principles to lead.

Conclusion

The election of 1800 was more than just a contest between ideologies; it was a demonstration of personal rivalries and the complex nature of early American politics. Hamilton's surprising endorsement of Jefferson over Burr was a critical moment that shaped the outcome of the election, highlighting the personal and ideological battles that defined this era.