The Sugar Maple vs. Hamilton

With the opening of the 6^th chapter, Andrea Wulf presents the dilemma between the Federalists and the Anti-federalists, Jefferson and Hamilton. Each man had different viewpoints, each man focused on different ideologies. Throughout the reading political parties emerge along with the rising importance of the sugar maple, which defined Jefferson’s thrive for an economy based on agriculture. To Jefferson, the sugar maple was more that just a plant. Both he and Madison were influential parts of its promotion throughout the United States. Alexander Hamilton was not on the agricultural train per say, he preferred a more American System and did not see any promise in agriculture.

I found it extremely intriguing that Jefferson’s love for botany was used throughout this time period as a weapon against Hamilton and his push for industrial growth. One tree, the native sugar maple, was becoming the most important object of growth in the eyes of one Thomas Jefferson, as he saw the future in agriculture, the future in the sugar maple tree. Hamilton moved in an opposite direction. He wanted to promote industrial growth with the idea of a national bank to regulate commerce. Both men were on the hunt for a location of the Capital.  The Federalists wanted to have the capital in a city, while the anti-federalists wanted the capital to be located in a rural area. This demonstrates how some wanted more a agrarian society while some did not.

After being in Philadelphia for so long, Jefferson saw many areas of profitability when he looked at the sugar maple tree. The scenery alone throughout the changing of the seasons symbolized his love for agricultural beauty and the relaxation it created for him as a way to forget the past. He could grow it easily and did not need a group of slaves to harvest it. An even bigger positive about the native sugar maple was the fact that it halted America’s dependence on Britain for sugar. Another way we see Jefferson’s love for botany is through his trips with Madison, as a way to get away from all the tensions and stresses laid upon him with Britain. Jefferson found top-notch information on sugar maple trees while on his trip to Bennington, Vermont. We see here just how important this crop was to Jefferson as it was clearly the most important thing on his mind.  Jefferson found bliss and relaxation along with a political instrument to fight Hamilton, his national bank, and Britain. His strive to learn everything there was to know about the maple tree and the planting of as many trees as he could, although not as successful as hoped, demonstrates Jefferson’s devotion to the future of the United States as an Agricultural nation.

This battle between Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson is still seen in the world today. Every person has their way of finding relaxation and comfort. For some, such as Jefferson it is through botanic activity. Each of these men left their mark on society.