Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1804) was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, and economist. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Hamilton was an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation's financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, and the New York Post newspaper. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was the main author of the economic policies of the George Washington administration. He took the lead in the funding of the states' debts by the Federal government, as well as establishing a national bank, a system of tariffs, and friendly trade relations with Britain. His vision included a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch, a strong commercial economy, with a national bank and support for manufacturing, and a strong military.

Early Life

Hamilton was born out of wedlock in Charlestown, the capital of the island of Nevis in the Leeward Islands (then part of the British West Indies). Hamilton and his older brother James Jr. (1753–1786) were taken in by a cousin after their mother's death in 1768, but the cousin committed suicide the following year. The boys were then separated: James apprenticed with a local carpenter, while Alexander was adopted by a Nevis merchant, Thomas Stevens. Despite Hamilton's difficult upbringing, his writing and mathematical abilities caught the attention of local leaders, who subsequently sent him to the American colonies for his education.

Military Career

During the American Revolutionary War, Hamilton became a senior aide to General George Washington, the American forces' commander-in-chief. Hamilton was instrumental in several battles, notably the Battle of Yorktown, where he led an assault that resulted in the surrender of the British forces in 1781.

Political Career

After the war, Hamilton was elected to the Congress of the Confederation from New York. He resigned, to practice law, and founded the Bank of New York. Hamilton was a leader in calling for a new Constitutional Convention to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation. He was an author of the Federalist Papers, advocating for the ratification of the Constitution.

In 1789, Washington appointed him as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton's programs for the national debt, national bank, and stimulation of the economy were controversial, establishing political lines. His policies formed the basis of the Federalist Party, which he led.

Death and Legacy

Hamilton's rivalry with Aaron Burr resulted in a duel, in which Hamilton was mortally wounded, dying the next day. Hamilton's contributions to the economic and political institutions of the United States have been immense, with his policies and institutions laying the groundwork for the American economic system. His advocacy for a strong federal government has had a lasting impact on the country.