Question

Why did Jefferson and his Democratic Republican party oppose policies that favored manufacturing and trade the Democratic Republicans felt they possessed a threat to slavery in the fall the Democratic Republicans believe they would lead to a reduction in farming and cause Americans to rely on foreign Goods the Democratic Republicans felt they would corrupt the nation and give power only to a few wealthy the Democratic Republicans believe they were negatively affect American trade relations with other nations

Answer 1

Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party opposed policies that favored manufacturing and trade for several interconnected reasons:

1. Fear of Urbanization and Social Hierarchy: The Democratic-Republicans were wary of the rise of manufacturing because it was associated with urbanization and the growth of a wealthy merchant class. They believed that such a class could lead to a concentration of power and influence, undermining the agrarian values that Jefferson cherished. In their view, a society dominated by manufacturers would create a stark division between the wealthy elite and the working poor, which contradicted their vision of a more egalitarian agrarian republic.

2. Agrarian Ideal: Jefferson and his followers believed that farming represented the heart of American democracy. They held that agriculture was the foundation of the nation’s economy and virtue. Manufacturing, in contrast, was seen as morally suspect, as it often involved wage labor, which they equated with dependency and potential corruption.

3. Economic Independence: The Democratic-Republicans were concerned that increased reliance on manufacturing and trade would make the United States dependent on foreign goods and markets. They feared this dependency could undermine American economic independence and sovereignty, potentially putting the nation at the mercy of foreign powers.

4. Threat to Slavery: While this was a more complex issue, some Democratic-Republicans were concerned that an emphasis on manufacturing and the corresponding rise of wage labor could threaten the institution of slavery, particularly in the Southern states. They believed that an industrial economy could diminish the importance of agriculture and change the social and economic dynamics that supported slavery.

5. Political Corruption: The Democratic-Republicans feared that policies favoring manufacturing and trade would lead to increased political corruption. They believed that wealthy industrialists and merchants would exert undue influence over government, resulting in policies that favored a small number of powerful interests rather than the common citizen.

6. Foreign Relations: They were also concerned about the potential ramifications of an economy dependent on international trade. The Democratic-Republicans believed that manufacturing and trade policies could complicate and harm American relations with other nations, particularly if those relationships became adversarial or dependent.

In summary, the Democratic-Republicans, under Jefferson's leadership, supported an agrarian-based economy and a limited role for federal government in economic affairs, which they believed would protect the interests of farmers and the moral fabric of the nation. They viewed manufacturing as a threat to their vision of an ideal American society.