The Federalist Papers · Chapter
VII: The Same Subject Continued (Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States) explained
Hamilton continues the argument that disunion would lead to war among the states, citing territorial disputes, public debt apportionment, and violations of contracts as likely causes.
What happens
Hamilton continues the argument that disunion would lead to war among the states, citing territorial disputes, public debt apportionment, and violations of contracts as likely causes. He warns that without a strong union, the states would fall into destructive conflicts and become prey to foreign powers.
Themes in this chapter
Federalism and the Necessity of Union
Hamilton argues that disunion would lead to war among the states, emphasizing the necessity of a strong federal government to prevent internal conflict.
National Security and Foreign Relations
The essay warns that disunited states would form incompatible foreign alliances, entangling America in European wars and making it vulnerable to external manipulation.
Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government
Hamilton cites human nature's tendency toward conflict over territory, debt, and contracts as a reason for a strong union to restrain such passions.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York.
- Alexander Hamilton
Actual author of this Federalist Paper, writing under the pseudonym Publius.
- Congress
Mentioned as having prudently appeased territorial disputes by persuading states to cede lands to the Union.
- The Indians
Referenced in the context of Western territory previously subject to the jurisdiction of the king of Great Britain.
Key passages
“It is sometimes asked, with an air of seeming triumph, what inducements could the states have, if disunited, to make war upon each other? It would be a full answer to this question to say—precisely the same inducements which have, at different times, deluged in blood all the nations in the world.”
Some ask why states would fight each other if separated, but the answer is simple: the same reasons that have caused wars everywhere else.
Hamilton dismisses the idea that American states would be immune to the causes of war that have plagued other nations.
“Territorial disputes have at all times been found one of the most fertile sources of hostility among nations. Perhaps the greatest proportion of wars that have desolated the earth have sprung from this origin.”
Land disputes have historically been a major cause of war, and the same would apply to the states if disunited.
Hamilton highlights territorial conflicts as a key danger of disunion.
“Divide et impera must be the motto of every nation that either hates or fears us.”
Any nation that dislikes or fears us will adopt the strategy of 'divide and conquer.'
Hamilton warns that foreign powers would exploit disunity to weaken America.