Had an ideological crank like Jefferson been the first president I have no doubt the nation would have failed. It was only because we had far-sighted statesmen like Washington and Hamilton in power that we have the greatest nation in the world to live in today.
True enough. Both Hamilton and Washington were practical men. While Jefferson was dreaming of America as an agrarian paradise, they realized that the future of the nation was in trade, industry, businesses and banks. They worked for the America that didn't take full flower until the 20th Century.
Not a coincidence that only upon becoming the nation that they foresaw did America become the greatest power in the world....
Have you read Chernow's biography?
Not yet but I read about half a dozen a year. I have it ready to go. But the best I have read is Forrest MacDonald's which is simply brilliant in explaining the financial system. Hendrickson's is also terrific for the basic amazing story of his life. Of course, there are others which take on just one element of his prodigeous work. Foreign policy, political beliefs, military life, legal thought, etc.