The Great Divide with Thomas Fleming

A conflict between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson? Most Americans are unaware that such discord ever existed and little has been written about the differences that developed between the two most famous founding fathers. A series of political disagreements gradually destroyed the friendship and mutual respect the two men had enjoyed at the start of Washington's presidency. Ultimately, they became enemies.

History tends to cast the early years of America in a glow of camaraderie, when there were, in fact, many conflicts between the Founding Fathers—none more important than the one between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Their disagreement centered on the highest, most original public office created by the Constitutional Convention: the presidency. It also involved the nation's foreign policy, the role of merchants and farmers in a republic, and the durability of the union. At its root were two sharply different visions of the nation's future.

Acclaimed historian and author, Thomas Fleming examines how the differing characters and leadership styles of Washington and Jefferson shaped two opposing views of the presidency—and the nation. Few American historians are as qualified to explore the twists and turns of this drama as Thomas Fleming. A former president of the Society of the American Historians, and a frequent guest on C-Span, PBS, A&E and the History Channel, he has written a series of revisionist masterworks, which have altered our understanding of the American Revolution, including: 1776: Year of Illusions, Washington's Secret War, the Hidden History of Valley Forge, and The Perils of Peace.

6:00pm, cash bar reception; 6:30pm lecture, gratis. Copies of  The Great Divide will be available for purchase at the event. Advance reservations required.  Members and guests are invited to dine with the speaker at The Club following the lecture. The cost is $40 per person, inclusive of tax, gratuity and one glass of wine with dinner. Dinner reservations are required 48 hours prior to the program. Same-day cancellations and no shows will be charged.