National Classics Week Packet National Classics Week Packet | Page 7

April 17

Written by NJCL First VP Rupert Chen

He goes on to denounce Burr as “ bankrupt beyond redemption except by the plunder of his country ,” an open allusion to the debts incurred by Cataline in his electoral races and the impetus of his plot . Hamilton draws upon references to Verres in a demonstration of how Burr ’ s leadership might look . Finally , Hamilton identified Burr ' s sole goal as “ his own aggrandizement per fas et nefas .” Hamilton , along with a portion of the Federalist party , favored Jefferson — but others preferred Burr . With the Federalists divided , Jefferson and Burr caucused and cut deals in order to secure support . Jefferson would go on to win the election , thanks in no small part to Hamilton ’ s political maneuvering . Yet , John Adams would later recall that “ a civil war was expected ” due to the high tensions between the two factions . Hamilton ’ s accusation of Burr ' s sedition was unlikely to have helped matters ( and those of us who have seen Hamilton — or have studied American History — will know of the tragic aftermath of Hamilton and Burr ' s feud ).

Activities Read one of the Federalist papers ( perhaps Federalist 10 ). What Classical allusions can you detect ? Why did these politicians refer back to the Classical past ? Discuss the historical background of the Catilinarian Conspiracy . What lessons does the episode teach ? What relevance do you think it has today ?