Democratic-Republicans versus Federalists
By 1793, a split began to rise out of two separate visions for the United States. Democratic-Republican Societies began to appear in cities around the country. Many who joined these societies supported the French Revolution, as well as other radicals. They tended to be laborers who had been denied the right to vote because they did not own property; however, some members were scientists, lawyers, and doctors. Out of these societies, the Democratic-Republican Party began to form in opposition to what would become known as the Federalist Party.
"The Present State of Our Country" shows the struggle between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans as George Washington looks on. Click on the image to open a larger version.
The Federalists were frightened by the disorder that they saw from these Democratic-Republicans. Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton, were successful in convincing President Washington that the federal government needed to assume state debts, pass tax laws, and create a central bank in order to create financial security for the new nation.
However, Democratic-Republicans, such as Thomas Jefferson, resented the creation of a strong centralized government and believed that more power should reside with the state governments. Democratic-Republicans did not want to assume state debts, pass tax laws, or create a central bank, as they believed these policies gave advantages to the upper class.
Federalist support was strong near cities and in New England, while more southerners identified as Democratic-Republican. When war began between France and Great Britain, Democratic-Republicans wanted America to intervene on behalf of France, while Federalists wanted to lend their support to Great Britain.
