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).
Without a doubt Alexander Hamilton was one of the men who built this nation and he was quite possibly the one of the greatest influences on how the America government system was developed. Although he never served as President of the US, Hamilton is often mistaken as one. As a founding father, his published opinions and writings became the doctrine this country’s political system was based on. Hamilton was a good scholar and was educated early, both by academia and also by life. His mother was once divorced and mother of one other son, James. Hamilton was the fourth child born to his father, a man described as a “ne’er do well” (Chernow.) Hamilton was born in the West Indies, his mother was of French decent and his father was a Scot. His Father left the family when Hamilton was just an infant. This, her second divorce, insured that Hamilton’s mother would finish her life alone. The abandonment made Hamilton the man of the manor and insured that his family would have to struggle to survive (Chernow).
Orphaned again when was just 13 years old with the death of his mother, Hamilton was fast to adapt to the real working world. He clerked at an import-export firm and was quickly charged to prove himself. The young Hamilton was required to serve as manager of the firm for five months while his boss served Military duty. During this time Hamilton also proved himself as a writer. Hamilton’s editorial account of a natural disaster inspired community leaders to sponsor his education. They sent Hamilton on scholarship to the America to study at Elizabethtown Academy in Boston Massachusetts. Hamilton went on to King’s College in New York at what is now known as Columbia University (Chernow). At King’s College he studied Writing and English, but left before completing his program, Hamilton left academia to pursue a career in politics. Timing was of the essence. Hamilton joined the army just at the time the colonies were “sweeping toward a revolution” (Oakes, McGerr, Lewis, Cullather & Boydston). A brave and battle ready Hamilton was quick to prove himself as a good soldier. Hamilton was a natural leader and was easily recognized as such (Hogeland).

Hamilton chronicled in letters to peers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin are all men who could be considered Hamilton’s friends. Also notorious are Hamilton’s foes. His peers in the political arena that were of a different mind like Thomas Jefferson and ------Burr, kept him busy writing and engaged in dual after dual – some of sword, many of pen and persuasion. Versions of his pulished ideas and opinions became the doctrine this country’s political system is ruled by. Hamilton wrote 85 ----- of the Federalist Papers.
Hamilton was a --------money man so it is no surprise that it is his profile that adorns the center of the US ten dollar bill. *quote* and footnote. From his meager beginning as a

Political Life -
Whether at the right place at the right time, or a direct result of intentional, leadership driven playbook followed, Hamilton’s political career could be considered---------. * source- Hamiltons rockstar political achievements *
Hamilton is credited with the creation of the Federalist Party. He sought a strong centeral government that upheld the interests of commerce and industry based near the seaports and his writings and opinions represented the views and supported the welfare of the urban mercantile system.
Hamilton’s Antifederalist counterpart, Thomas Jefferson advocated for rural interests of the southern agrarian society. Jefferson was in favor of decentralization and was opposed to national government ruling in matters other than those of foreign relations. He is quoted as saying, “I am not a friend to a very energetic government”. (source – article – web)