Alexander Hamilton: Biography and Achievements

Early Life

• Birth: January 11, 1755/57, in Nevis, British West Indies.
• Family Background: Son of James Hamilton, a trader, and Rachel Fawcett Lavine.
• Childhood: Father abandoned the family in 1765; mother died in 1768.
• Education: Worked as a clerk before attending preparatory school in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and then King's College (later Columbia University).

Role in the American Revolution

• Military Service: Became a captain in the provincial artillery in 1776.
• Battle of Trenton: Demonstrated bravery by preventing British advances.
• Aide-de-camp: Served as an aide to George Washington, handling important missions and correspondence.
• Marriage: Married Elizabeth Schuyler from a prominent New York family.

Early Political Activities

• Law Career: Practiced law in New York City post-war.
• Advocacy: Strong advocate for a strong central government, critical of the Articles of Confederation.
• The Federalist Papers: Co-authored these influential essays defending the Constitution.

Financial Program and Political Influence

• Secretary of Treasury: Appointed by President George Washington in 1789.
• Financial Programs:
  • Advocated for the funding of national and state debts.
  • Established the first Bank of the United States.
  • Proposed systems to support manufacturers and industries.
• Political Parties: Became a leader of the Federalist Party; opposed by Jefferson's Republicans.

Later Life and Legacy

• Duel with Aaron Burr: Killed in a famous duel with Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804.
• Legacy: A key figure in the establishing of the US financial system and a proponent of a strong federal government.
• Cultural Impact: Revitalized in popular culture by the musical "Hamilton" by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Key Contributions

• Contributions to Constitution: Played a significant role in the ratification of the US Constitution.
• Political Philosophy: Advocated for a federal government with strong central control.

Miscellaneous

• Hamilton's life and death were dramatic and impactful, influencing both the political and cultural landscapes of the United States.
• His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its foundational impact on American governance and finance.