The book then addresses the two differences concerning a national bank and their differences regarding foreign affairs. .
Cunningham's method of displaying these two men's differences is uncomplicated. Cunningham presents the reader with over forty documents consisting of letters, reports and speeches. Jefferson's and Hamilton's documents are interwoven within each of the chapters so we can see each of their proposing arguments and responses to each argument. Cunningham does a good job of narrating the information between the documents, which is more informational background rather than commentary. Overall the nature of Cunningham's book leaves the reader with speculation and room to draw their on conclusions upon the individuals and their interrelating arguments. Although Cunningham does a good job narrating and giving the information to the reader to make their own conclusions, he only seems to show Hamilton's and Jefferson's differences, mainly regarding the National Band and their view of financial/economic policies. His overall conclusion, stated in the title of the book, "Confrontations that shaped a Nation" is not fully presented and only possible hinted at in one brief part of the book where their contribution to the creation of political parties is addressed. .
National Bank .
For the newly formed nation, the result of the Revolution left an enormous debt hanging as first priority to Washington's cabinet. Should the states equally be responsible for the debt? Should the debt be paid at once, or financed? Questions such as these were thorny for such a new nation "this was one of the most pressing issues facing the new government" (Cunningham, 2000, p.29). As Secretary of Treasury, Hamilton campaigned to find an answer to such questions through his report on the public credit and a proposal that was eventually adopted, a formation of a National Bank. .
Cunningham makes it clear of the different view of Hamilton and Jefferson, concerning the National Bank.