Alexander Hamilton

Soldier, Banker, Patriot
Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton is one of the most controversial and important figures in early American history. Although he never held high, elected political office, he was nevertheless one of the most important figures in the Revolutionary era. Born out of wedlock in the West Indies, he showed his skill at business at an early age and was sent by a benefactor to the American colonies, where he quickly received an education just as the American Revolution was beginning to take shape. He joined the patriot cause and before long found himself on the staff of General George Washington. In that capacity he became one of Washington's most trusted lieutenants and advisers. Following the war he became an important financial figure in New York and helped to found one of the first major banks in that city, a bank that still exists today. He was also one of the early advocates of a stronger central government and worked with Washington and James Madison to persuade the Continental Congress to call a constitutional convention. Standing against his fellow delegates from the state of New York in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787, he was the only New Yorker who remained until the end of the convention and was the only delegate from that state to sign that great document. Knowing that its acceptance would be difficult, especially in his home state of New York, along with fellow New Yorker John Jay and James Madison, he authored a number of the Federalist Papers, one of the most brilliant and profound expositions of constitutional government ever written.

Following adoption of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton became Washington's Secretary of the Treasury, a position for which he was exceptionally well suited. A strong political Federalist, Hamilton worked feverishly to bring about significant financial reforms to the young republic, including the creation of the first Bank of the United States, and advanced policies on manufacturing, finance and international trade. Hamilton aroused strong feelings of both friendship and enmity among his fellow political leaders. His greatest adversary was Thomas Jefferson; it was said that the two men could barely stand to be in the same room with each other.

It was Alexander Hamilton who urged President Washington to stand for a second term, fearing that the political agitation which had developed along with adoption of the Constitution might tear the country asunder, should Washington depart after four years. Unfortunately, Hamilton's loyalty to Washington superseded his loyalty to the Federalist party, and when Vice President John Adams moved up to the presidency, Hamilton was anything but a loyal supporter. He worked against the Adams administration both openly and subversively, much to his discredit. He also gained the enmity of fellow New Yorker Arron Burr, whom he detested even more than he disliked Jefferson. Working against Burr in the presidential race of 1800, he opposed Burr's attempts to regain political favor in his home state of New York and was eventually killed by Arron Burr in the famous duel.

Hamilton is remembered on the face of our $10 bill. It is also believed that a special provision was added to the Constitution to make it possible for Hamilton to run for president. The qualifications for that office read, “a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution.” As mentioned above, Hamilton was not born in the United States.

Additional Resources TBA, January 16, 2008

Writing 121

Updated January 16, 2008