The Rivalry and Friendship of Jefferson and Adams: A Conversation with Gordon Wood
Jan 12, 2020
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Gordon Wood, a great historian of 18th century American political thought, discusses the fascinating friendship and rivalry between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They explore their differing backgrounds, views on democracy, the French Revolution, finance, and the reconciliation of their friendship after a 12-year estrangement.
Adams and Jefferson had fundamentally different views on equality, human nature, and the structure of government, with Adams favoring inequalities and a strong executive while Jefferson championed equality and a weak executive.
The differences in their views on equality and the French Revolution ultimately shaped their conflicting visions for the future of America, as Adams saw the dangers of radicalism while Jefferson viewed it as necessary for liberty.
Deep dives
The Differences Between Adams and Jefferson
The podcast explores the stark differences between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Despite being friends and political allies during the American Revolution, Adams and Jefferson had fundamentally different views on equality, human nature, and the structure of government. Adams believed in the inherent inequalities among individuals and was skeptical of the idea of equal rights for all. He favored a strong executive and was cautious about democracy. On the other hand, Jefferson was a champion of equality and believed in the capacity of the people to govern themselves. He advocated for a weak executive and had more trust in democratic processes and elections. The differences in their views on these philosophical and political questions ultimately shaped their conflicting visions for the future of America.
The Impact of the French Revolution
The podcast highlights how the French Revolution played a significant role in driving Adams and Jefferson apart. While Adams viewed the French Revolution with skepticism and criticized its radicalism, Jefferson was an ardent supporter. Jefferson's enthusiasm for the French Revolution and his belief in the righteousness of its cause led to a fundamental disagreement between the two friends. Adams saw the violence and bloodshed of the revolution as a stark warning of the dangers of unchecked radicalism, while Jefferson saw it as a necessary upheaval for liberty and equality. This difference in perspective widened the gap between them.
Reconciliation and Differences
The podcast explores the process of reconciliation between Adams and Jefferson after years of political estrangement. Despite their differences, they managed to reconcile and rekindle their friendship, in part due to the efforts of mutual friends like Benjamin Rush. However, the reconciliation was surface-level, as they avoided discussing controversial subjects like slavery. Adams pushed the envelope in their correspondence, challenging Jefferson's radical views and utopian visions, while Jefferson refrained from engaging in confrontations. Their reconciliation was based on respect for each other's intellectual contributions and a shared understanding of the importance of their friendship to the nation.
Adams' Realistic Perspective
The podcast emphasizes John Adams' realistic view of human nature and America's role in the world. Adams did not subscribe to the American exceptionalism that Jefferson championed. He believed that all nations, including America, were susceptible to corruption and sin. Adams' conservative outlook and skepticism towards utopian ideals made him view America as just another country, instead of a special or exceptional nation. His emphasis on the realism of human nature and the limitations of government contributed to his disagreements with Jefferson and his unique perspective on America's place in the world.
