Initially, Jefferson and Hamilton enjoyed a friendly working relationship. While never close, they seldom clashed during the first year in the Washington administration. Even so, deep philosophical differences soon caused a rift between them, and finally drove them apart. Hamilton believed that a vigorous use of the central government was essential for the task of nation building. He also believed that 'a flourishing merchant economy would sow opportunities for all, resulting in a more philanthropic, knowledgeable and enterprising people.' In Jefferson's view, centralized government was 'simply European-style tyranny waiting to happen again.' He idealized the yeoman farmers, for they 'controlled their own destinies, and also a republic that, resting on the yeoman farmer, would keep 'alive that sacred fire' of personal liberty and virtue.' These differences gained their clearest expression in the debate about the Bank of the United States.
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