Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1757 - July 12, 1804) was born out of wedlock in the British West Indies. Recognizing the young man's talents, patrons arranged for Hamilton to immigrate to New York City, where he attended King's College (now Columbia University.). Some scholars have argued that Hamilton’s origins can be reflected in his later life, where, unlike much of the Revolutionary generation, his views were more nationalistic, rather than tied to the interests of a particular region or state. Hamilton entered the military as a Captain of Artillery in the Continental Army in 1776. Hamilton fought in the battles of Princeton and Germantown and came to the attention of General George Washington. Washington promoted Hamilton to rank of colonel and made him a member of his staff. Hamilton took part in the climatic battle of the war at Yorktown. Some scholars believe that Hamilton may have alerted General Washington to the existence of the Newburgh Conspiracy. Hamilton was also a member of the Continental Congress, New York State assembly, and a member of the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention.

Hamilton authored 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers. while James Madison and John Jay composed the others. These editorials, published in newspapers throughout the United States, helped turn popular opinion in favor of ratifying the Constitution, particularly in the important states of New York and Virginia.

Perhaps Hamilton's greatest contribution to the success of the United States occurred during his tenure as Washington’s Secretary of the Treasury from 1789 to 1795. Through a system of tariffs and excise taxes (some of which, as demonstrated by the Whiskey Rebellion, caused a great deal of resentment), Hamilton placed the United States on sound financial footing. some of which, as demonstrated by the Whiskey Rebellion, caused a great deal of resentment. While Hamilton disliked taxes, he also realized that they were necessary. Hamilton not only favored close economic ties with Great Britain, the world’s leading economic power, but he believed that the United States should emulate their economic system. In his Report on Manufactures, Hamilton envisioned the United States as a nation that would reply on manufacturing and commerce in order to become a great power. This (among other things) put him at odds with Thomas Jefferson, who envisioned the United States as an agrarian republic.

Hamilton, along with Benjamin Franklin, is one of the very few non-presidents to be portrayed on American money. Hamilton ‘s portrait is on the $10 bill, while Franklin graces the $100 bill.

Death

Hamilton was wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr, dying of a gunshot wound the following day.

References

Joseph Ellis, Founding Brothers (New York: Vintage, 2000).

John Ferling, A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic (Oxford University Press, 2003).

Ron Chernow, Alexander Hamilton (New York: Penquin, 2005).