In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson articulated a vision of “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.” But how did he think this would be best accomplished?
In 1793, President George Washington issued a statement that the United States would remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between France and Britain. But given that his decision kept the United States out of war, why was his decision so controversial?
The 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, adding the massive territory at the mere price of three cents per acre. But did you know that the arrangement sparked a sectional secession movement and constitutional crisis?
According to Voltaire, “those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” This cynical take on humanity made Voltaire one of the most polarizing figures of his day. Even still, he befriended some of the most powerful and influential people in the world.
As one of America’s most notorious founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton has become a cultural icon as the star of a modern Broadway musical, even though he was highly divisive figure in his time. But what were the ideas that made him famous?
Ironically, the presentation guests receive at The Hermitage mirrors that of Jackson himself – a mixture of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
