...Alexander Hamilton, known to most as the man on the ten dollar bill, was one of the most influential Founding Fathers of America. Hamilton, forgotten even by most scholars, had lasting impacts on America that are still intact today, such as putting our financial system into existence. Alexander Hamilton lived a life full of excitement around every corner. Hamilton made tight-knit relationships with many people along his journey, however, some people had more of an impact than others. Historical figures, Maria Reynolds and Aaron Burr, played roles in persuading the decisions of what he chose to publish as influential writings that led to his nonexistent presidency, or for backing Thomas Jefferson for president; both of which really affected...
Words: 896 - Pages: 4
...As the United States was being established , Alexander Hamilton played a major role in forming the new country. Hamilton helped shape the economy as well as was one of the main advocates fighting for the ratification of the Constitution and a stronger central government. Before the British surrender, Hamilton was involved leading some of the artillery in some battles of the Revolution and was eventually appointed to George Washington’s staff. After earning the trust of Washington, Hamilton was involved in the development the young country. While there were many founders, such as Thomas Jefferson, that did not desire a strong federal government, Hamilton fights for a strong central government and as the Gilder Lehrman website says,“Hamilton...
Words: 299 - Pages: 2
...Alexander Hamilton was a man who was quite an influence in our country. Even at his young age, he wowed the other famous men in his time with his amazing literary skills, eventually gaining himself a spot in the Continental Congress. Still today Hamilton is still a well known figure in and throughout American history. He did not sign the Declaration of Independence but is considered a founding father due to his helping in the framing of that document. Despite his many accomplishments Hamilton had a hard early life. Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, either 1775 or 1777, the exact year was never known. He was born out of wedlock and after being abused by his real father, Alexander's mother left to St. Kitts. Rachel (Alexander’s mother) soon met and moved in with James Hamilton and had another son named James who was Alexander’s older brother. She then moved back with Alexander to live with James Sr. He left them again and they lived in poverty forcing Alexander at the young age of 11 to find a job. After working as hard as she could, Rachel died at the age of 38. Leaving Alexander and his brother orphans, as their step father had abandoned them. “Our great error is that we suppose mankind to be more honest than they are.” - Alexander Hamilton - 1787 Later in his life Alexander was able to work as an...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...In the 1800s new money was printed this time with the portraits of presidents on them so that the people of America would never forget them. But Alexander Hamilton proceeded to be one of the only non-presidential portraits on the newly printed bills. Although no presidency was served, Hamilton served America for most of his career life whether it be as a commander or working as the secretary of treasury. Early on Hamilton fought in the American Revolution helping to command along side George Washington and Lafayette. He then went on to become the secretary of treasury endlessly striving to improve the United States debt problem and unite the colonies. Never did he stop believing in the American form of government and stop striving to improve it. His work as a federalist and on the federalist papers led to the United States constitution being drafted much of its public success attributed to his contributions. In conclusion, Alexander Hamilton well deserved to be on the ten dollar bill just as much as any other...
Words: 955 - Pages: 4
...different and important ways. Alexander Hamilton is a vital figure in our history because he changed our financial system and helped change the way we run our country. Hamilton’s importance is through his writings, impact on the national banking systems, and his influence on Washington in the cabinet. These events changed the course of American history forever. When America was still in its early years, Alexander Hamilton began to write while he was practicing law. He mainly argued on the topic of strong central government, opposing the Articles of Confederation. Hamilton also was involved in writing the Federalist Papers, which constituted of eighty-five essays, fifty-one of which he wrote. “Hamilton wrote at least two-thirds of the essays, including some of the most important ones that interpreted the Constitution.... [The Federalist Papers] were widely read, had a great influence on contemporaries, became one of the classics of political literature, and helped...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...Chanice Lighty November 3rd, 2014 Harrold US History John Adams vs Alexander Hamilton Born October 30, 1735 in Quincy, Massachusetts. John Adams our 2nd president of the United States, grew up with a father who was a farmer, deacon, and town councilman. Adams was a federalist one of his famous attributes was the argument about the stamp act of 1765. He wrote a response to the act called “Essay on the Canon and Feudal Law” in which he argued that: ‘the stamp act deprived American colonist of their rights to be taxed by consent and to be tried by a jury of their peers.’ He also made it clear that the act was null and void in a speech he sent out to the governor of Massachusetts along with his council. In 1796, Adams was elected as the federalist nominee for president. Thomas Jefferson led opposition. During his presidency France and Britain began a war, which started a political uproar for the United States causing Adams administration to focus on diplomatic efforts for France, when France denied the United States and later after the war died down Adams lost his favoritism from the public and lost his re-election to once opposed Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Hamilton born January 11, 1755 on the island of Nevis in the British West indies. Hamilton was part of George Washington’s administration, and one of the leading figures. Hamilton was also a nationalist, who stood for the “wealthy elite” meaning he believed the government should protect the wealthy. Hamilton’s goal...
Words: 883 - Pages: 4
...With his own musical, Alexander Hamilton is one of the best of our nation’s founding fathers that helped find America. He creating America alongside George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson and many other founding fathers of America. He is an effective founding father of America because he created the first National Bank, helped in the Revolutionary War, and helped the Constitution after the Revolutionary War. Known as the father of the National Banking System, Alexander Hamilton helped with the treasury by creating the first National Bank of America. George Washington place Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury. “Washington was not comfortable with financial affairs and Hamilton was a trusted friend… He admired the British...
Words: 351 - Pages: 2
...History 131 Janet Covert Alexander Hamilton Research Paper Rachelle Sorensen-Cox November 26, 2012 Alexander Hamilton was one of the men who built this country. What began simply as the published views and beliefs of Alexander Hamilton, became the doctrinal basis for one of the national, political parties Americans have subscribed to for over 200 years. Hamiltonians would today, be best be described as Democrats. Hamilton was a diverse leader, with a diverse skill set he excelled at both writing and finance. Disciplines’ that would serve him well. Our nation’s economic system was in part created by Alexander Hamilton. This achievement earned him a rightful spot on our country’s currency. A talented student and writer, Hamiton’s speeches, letters, pamphlets, essays and reports included regular contributions to The Federalist. He also keep good company, Alexander Hamilton had an impressive resume of friends and enemies. A long list of leaders, scholars and brethren such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin is the same list of men that are Alexander Hamilton’s peers. It has been said that “you are the company you keep” and it has also been said that Alexander Hamilton kept good company. As part of the original cast of characters that created this country, Hamilton’s remains one of the less well known stories, and one of the most essential ones. Hamilton’s input became some of the doctrine the American political system was created by. (Freeman)...
Words: 857 - Pages: 4
...Republican and Alexander Hamilton was a Federalist were bitter political rivals. It all started when Burr took Hamilton's father-in-laws seat in congress. The 1800 presidential election, Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson each received the same number of votes, it as enough to unseat John Adams, resulting in a tie. The Elect`1oral College could not resolve the tie, now it was up to the House of Representative. The man with the most vote would be President the other would be Vice President. The House tried for seven days and could not come up with clear winner. Alexander Hamilton was Secretary of Treasury, he used his influence to convince Representative's to vote for Jefferson. When Burr learned of Hamilton's political maneuvering this escalated the animosity between the two of them. In 1804 Hamilton publicly criticized Burr who was running for governor of New York. Burr exchanged several letters asking for an apology, but Hamilton refused. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel which he accepted. On July 11, 1804 in Weehawken New Jersey the duel took place. Hamilton had no intention of shooting Burr, he fired into a tree limb 14 feet above his head and 4 feet wide of his head. Burr either thought Hamilton intended to shoot him or simply took advantage of an opportunity to fire directly at Hamilton. He hit him directly in the stomach. He sustained organ damage and severed spinal cord. He died the next day. Thomas Jefferson was not a friend of Burr or Hamilton and stood...
Words: 274 - Pages: 2
...The second chapter of the novel “Founding Brothers” starts off with Thomas Jefferson encountering another member of Washington’s Cabinet, Alexander Hamilton. On June of 1790, Jefferson records that Hamilton did not seem himself as he appeared feeble. Jefferson had taken into note that congressman, James Madison had blocked Hamilton’s proposal for a financial plan. Hamilton’s intentions for this financial plan were for the recovery of public credit. Jefferson had then wanted to help out his acquaintance and vowed that the first step towards a resolution was to bring Madison and Hamilton together. This rendezvous took place at a private dinner party where the two parties may meet and settle away their differences while under the influence of wine and conversation....
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
...The leader I chose from my table was Alexander Hamilton. His Machiavellian manipulation of people around him and his innate ability to get things done makes him an excellent example of leadership. . Born to a prostitute whose husband ran away and had her imprisoned, he displayed an early affinity for politics by negotiating a job with the British East India Company despite being six years too young at the age of eight. His mother died at ten years old to disease, but Alexander found a man willing to take him in. When that man committed suicide, Alexander went to live on his own. When he was fourteen, a hurricane struck his town and destroyed everything he had. Undeterred, he made the most of the situation and wrote a story about the events. His writing was so good the leader of his village led an effort to raise money for him to go to college in America. He had made his way up from a child who should have never been born to the prodigy of his hometown. When he...
Words: 927 - Pages: 4
...What was the importance of the founding brothers? At the time, their position may not have seemed to be that important, but they were able to build a government system that would help the new nation survive and thrive on its own. Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison all faced many challenges when creating the New Republic. These men did not always see eye to eye because of personal differences, political oppositions, and ranking of authority. Joseph J. Ellis’ book, Founding Brothers, uncovered the struggles that even these men had trying to work together in perfect harmony to create a perfect union that would leave a lasting impact on the nation. Chapter one, “The Duel”, was probably one of the most notable confrontations between some of the founding brothers. It was also the only chapter that was out of chronological order. Ellis did this to really captivate the reader’s attention. This event showed the controversy that the brothers faced with each other. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr fought for fifteen years over political and personal issues; however, Hamilton...
Words: 1901 - Pages: 8
...Alexander Hamilton “Men give me credit for some genius. All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. My mind becomes pervaded with it. Then the effort that I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought” (Hamilton). This quote shows Alexander Hamilton's task commitment and how he was devoted to everything he did. He had made and overcame many mistakes during his life, building him stronger and leading him on his path to eminence. Alexander Hamilton created America’s current financial system, used Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision to innovate ways to overcome challenges, and illuminated the...
Words: 805 - Pages: 4
...Alexander Hamilton is one of the seven founding forefathers. He had a burdensome childhood, accomplished many things, and is known to people all around the world. He didn’t have a perfect life,”I never expect a perfect work from an imperfect man.” (Alexander Hamilton 1700’s) He’s saying that life isn’t perfect and people aren’t perfect because we weren’t made that way. He did and said many inspiring things. In this essay topics such as, Alexander Hamilton’s life, what he’s known for, and his modern day version will be introduced. Alexander Hamilton had a very burdensome childhood. He was born on January 11, 1755, or 1757 in Charlestown, Nevis. His parents were Rachel Fawcett and James Hamilton. Hamilton longed to attend school, but they were too poor to afford it. In 1765, the family moved from Nevis to St. Croix, shortly after they arrived, James Hamilton left Rachel, and both of his sons without a father-figure. Rachel had to support her family all by herself, so she started to work in order to reinforce her two sons. In 1768, Rachel caught a terrible fever and died, leaving her sons as orphans and penniless. His cousin, Peter Lytton became their guardian, but a year later he committed suicide. James Lytton, Peter’s father moved to take care of the...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...a dominating force and America was still in its infancy, the political economy in Jeffersonian America struggled to define itself as an independent republic and not just a replica of its oppressor. England had grown to be an old, corrupt, and overpopulated land where, “the people who cloathe the whole world are in rags themselves.” (McCoy 47) Seeing its counterpart in such a state of decay, Revolutionaries in America forged a commitment to republicanism that would soon lead to an ongoing public debate over superior ideologies. The two conflicting visions that spurred the post-war vision of a republican America was that of developing across space, which was supported by Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson, and that of Alexander Hamilton’s vision of developing through time. As America progressed through its post-war stages, it was evident that one vision had surpassed the other in dominating the economy. According to Madison, “…The United States might be forced into manufacturing as an alternative source of employment even in the presence of open land.” (McCoy 257) This ultimately reinforced the Hamiltonian view that the real disposition of human nature was toward luxury and away from classical virtue. As civilization began to slowly develop, Americans were blessed (or cursed) with being able to oversee the commercial revolution that had transcended in Europe. The rise of flourishing international...
Words: 2541 - Pages: 11
