Summary pt.4 Essay Plans AQA A-level history 2G: Birth of the USA
3 views 0 purchase
Course
AQA History A-Level 2G The Birth of the USA
Institution
AQA
Detailed essay plans covering entire period of American History. I compiled these notes and achieved an A* in the 2022 paper. There are a range of examples and arguments and it covers what to write from introduction to conclusion.
How successful were Alexander Hamilton’s financial problems?
Intro:
Context: 1789 pressing matter remained how to raise revenue. Tariff on trade (on an assortment of
items and thus largely invisible) and a TOnnage Act (1789) failed to raise enough funds.
Hamiltons aims:
1) National govts assumption of states’ war debts, garners international respect as it shows
willingness of the new republic to pay off debt + forge unity.
2) The creation of a national bank.
3) The protection and stimulation of American industry.
CFJ: Achieve his aims? Longevity? (overcome shortcoming of AOC)
National debt ● Creation of a consolidated national debt by Hamilton was successful:
→ Hamilton’s most significant contribution lay in his proposal to fund
national debt.
→ It assumed the state's war debts (resulting legislation - The
Funding Act of 1790).
→ It increased the value of US bonds over time.
→ Ensured the Federal govt could borrow money at home & broad
e.g. The Dutch govt, one of the key leaders, $5million.
→ Ensured the Federal govt could pay back debts e.g. Spanish &
French (Haitian revolution of 1792), All war debts paid back to French by 1795
(8mill).
→ Underpinned the increase in productivity/foreign investment/
economic growth witnessed in the dynamic US economy from 1790’s
onwards. Paves the way for rapid industrial growth.
→ Addressed one of the key failings of the confederation congress
e.g. Morris’ inability to get his financial policies through
BUT:
→ Despite financial success, Hamilton's proposals were contentious
and generated considerable controversy:
1) His reforms furthered north/south divide:
- National debt only achieved through political compromise with Jefferson &
Madison that saw the capital established in the south (banks of the Potomac
river Washington DC).
, - Southern anger as southern states had a;ready repaid most of their war debt
e.g. Delaware and Virginia.
→ Northern speculators stood to benefit from Hamilton’s scheme as
they held most of the debt e.g. Massachusetts.
2) Hamilton’s economic reforms are a source of growing party division
between Federalist and Democratic Republicans.
National Bank ● Creation of a national bank (1791) by Hamilton was successful:
→ Not mentioned in constitution but justified through ‘necessary &
proper clause’.
→ Facilitated the collection of taxes nationally + provided a source of
capital for loans.
→ Controlled currency (preventing states from issuing inflated paper
currencies). e.g. New mint set up in 1792 (Coinage Act).
→ Branches set up in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charleston &
Philadelphia
→ Contributed to the rapid economic growth of the US (through
increased industrialisation) over the next 50 years.
BUT:
→ Hamilton’s economic reforms a source of controversy/growing
party division between ‘Federalists’ (supporters of Hamilton) and
‘Republicans’ (aligned with Jefferson/Madison) who opposed the
growth in power of the central govt through a national bank.
Excise Tax ● Establishment of an excise tax (1791) on spirits by congress partially
successful:
→ It helped raise vital revenues for the Federal govt (power that the
confederation congress had lacked) + thereby directly addressed a
major failure of the early republic.
→ It also showed congress/ the new constitution could operate
effectively & enhanced America’s standing internationally -
underpinning the achievements secured in foreign policy e.g. Jay’s
Trade Treaty with Britain and Pinckney’s Treaty with Spain.
→ 1792 congress passed a new Tariff on imported goods.
BUT:
→ Congressional spirits tax prompted further division: the tax bore
heavily frontier farmers, leading to an armed rebellion by 6,600 in
Pennsylvania in 1794.
→ The ‘Whiskey Rebellion’ required Washington to raise a militia
force of 13,000 men to put down the trouble. (Tyranny of a national
govt replicating Stamp Act).
- BUT: shows the ability of Federal govt under new constitution vs AOC,
Hamilton’s financial success able to raise an army.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sumayaabdirisaq. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.34. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
