Lecture Notes on Alexander Hamilton

Early Life and Education

• Birth: January 11, 1755 or 1757 in Charlestown, Nevis.
• Parents: Born out of wedlock to Rachel Faucette, of Huguenot descent, and James A. Hamilton, a Scotsman.
• Education: Self-educated with access to a family library of 34 books. Moved to New York City for further education.
• Early Career: Clerked for a trading company in St. Croix; gained recognition after writing a letter about a hurricane.

Revolutionary War Involvement

• Military Career: Joined New York artillery, participated in important battles like Harlem Heights and Yorktown.
• Aide to Washington: Worked as Washington’s chief staff aide, handling various high-level duties.

Post-War Contributions

• Legal Career: Passed the bar and practiced law in New York.
• Political Career: Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, advocated for a strong central government.

Contributions to U.S. Constitution

• Constitutional Convention: Called for strong federal government; involved in debates leading to the U.S. Constitution.
• The Federalist Papers: Authored 51 of 85 essays promoting ratification of the Constitution.

As U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

• Fiscal Policies: Developed the Report on Public Credit, establishing the U.S. financial system.
• National Bank: Advocated for the creation of the First Bank of the United States.
• Mint and Currency: Established a national mint and promoted a stable currency.
• Revenue Cutter Service: Founded a precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard to protect trade and collect tariffs.

Political Rivalries and Party Formation

• Federalist Party: Major figure in the formation of the Federalist Party, advocating for strong national government.
• Opposition: Faced significant opposition from Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican Party.

Personal Life and Scandals

• Family: Married Elizabeth Schuyler; had eight children.
• Reynolds Affair: Publicly admitted to an extramarital affair after being blackmailed, damaging his reputation.

Later Years and Death

• Quasi-War: Played a key role in military preparations against France.
• Duel with Aaron Burr: Mortally wounded in a duel with Burr in 1804, leading to his death.

Legacy

• Influence: Key architect of American financial systems and a central figure in creating the U.S. Constitution.
• Controversy and Debate: His policies and ideas continue to be debated and referenced in modern discussions on government and economics.