I need help with understanding the relationship between Adams and Jefferson? why did they fight?

Question

i'm reading founding brothers by j.ellis and in the 6th chapter where Adams and Jefferson fought and had a problem with their friendship....why????other than their political views and jefferson's former friend hamilton

Answer 1

I am currently reading a 2-volume biography on Adams by Page Smith, not the most recent McCullough book, although it is very good.  If it is anything like his Truman, it'll be my next purchase.

Jefferson and Adams differed on certain points but they believed similarly that America needed to be an independent nation, separate from England.  Their basic differences deal with whether the federal government should be strong and all-powerful or whether certain powers should be diminished in the federal government and relegated to the states to legislate.  Jefferson was a "States' Rights" proponent and is known for having said "That government governs best that governs least."  Adams wanted a strong federal government; he was not pro-big business at the expense of the working man, because he himself derived the most pleasure from coming home to his farm and working it in between diplomatic missions to Continental Congresses or France.

Whatever rancor there was between the two, there was respect for the other one's abilities.  Adams' last words are reputed to have been "At least Jefferson still lives" without knowing that Jefferson had died in Virginia on the same day

Answer 2

Adams supported big business and banking; Jefferson supported small business and farming and opposed a national bank.  Adams opposed slavery; Jefferson opposed in theory, but practiced it and raised problems about ending it.  During the 1790's, Adams supported Great Britain, but Jefferson supported France.  Jefferson and Adams shared similar theological ideals but were otherwise very different.

Answer 3

The basis of their relationship was differing views in politics.  Both were strong minded men.  Adams got to office as President owing to the need (presumed) to have a Northern President.  Jefferson came in 2nd and was his vice owing to a Southern view.

Both men had a great respect for each other.  They were in and out of friendship.  Toward the end of their lives they were friends.

Answer 4

Although I am not familiar with the book you reference in your question,

my understanding of the rift between them began with the many key appointments Adams made in the days preceding Jefferson's presidency, many of whom were political enemies of TJ and something he felt unforgivable done to him by someone he considered a "friend". Obviously, they resolved their differences and their friendship became legend later on.

It is remarkable to me they died on July 4th..........

If you ever have a chance to visit Monticello, do so, It is a testament to Jefferson's genius and work. Although the simple fact his draft declaration was accepted with few and minor changes in alone testament to his genius.

Who writes like that now,

or ever before?

Answer 5

The book "John Adams" by David McCullough goes into a lot of detail about their relationship.  Presumably the miniseries does as well, though I have not seen it.  

Their estrangement was mostly due to their differing political views, especially on the topic of foreign relations.  Adams did not much care for party politics, but it was their feud which essentially started that.