Early Life and Immigration

Born on January 11, in either 1755 or 1757 on the small Caribbean island of Nevis, Alexander Hamilton's early life was marked by hardship. His parents, Rachel Faucette and James Hamilton, were not married, and his father abandoned the family in 1766, leaving them in precarious financial situations. Hamilton's mother passed away in 1768, leaving him and his brother orphaned.

Despite these early challenges, Hamilton's intellectual potential became evident after he wrote a detailed letter about a devastating hurricane that struck St. Croix, where he was living. His eloquence so impressed the local community that they funded his trip to the North American colonies for education.

Hamilton landed in mainland America in late 1772, enrolling at King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City. His time in New York exposed him to various revolutionary ideas and actions against British imperial policy. The American colonies during this period were ripe with economic activity and revolutionary ideas.

Hamilton's discomfort with inequities and his firsthand knowledge of economic operations catalyzed a growing zeal for structural reform. Engaging with revolutionaries and immersing himself in philosophical and legal treatises completed the ideological environment necessary for Hamilton to evolve from a destitute immigrant to a foundational figure in what was to become the United States of America.¹

Revolutionary War Involvement

Alexander Hamilton displayed exceptional skill and commitment during the escalating conflicts of the Revolutionary War. He became an artillery captain in March 1776, leading a New York militia company in crucial early battles. His military prowess attracted the attention of senior Continental Army officers.

In late 1776, Hamilton's refined command over artillery tactics at Trenton and Princeton bolstered the Continental Army's strategic fortunes. General George Washington invited Hamilton to serve directly under him as an aide-de-camp in January 1777. Serving on Washington's staff for four years, Hamilton was at the epicenter of revolutionary decision-making.

As Washington's aide-de-camp, Hamilton gleaned substantial knowledge about military strategies and witnessed the grave inefficiencies plaguing the nascent nation's war effort under the Articles of Confederation. He observed firsthand how the decentralized model hindered effective governance.

In 1781, Hamilton's desire for active combat leadership led to a brief rupture with Washington. Washington assigned him to command a battalion at Yorktown later that year, where Hamilton executed a night assault on Redoubt 10 in a manner crucial in precipitating the British surrender.

Post-Yorktown, Hamilton's wartime experiences solidified his perspective on effective governance. The war's closure exposed America's organizational weaknesses, evolving into Hamilton's advocacy for a strong centralized federal government.²

Constitutional Advocacy

Alexander Hamilton's belief in a robust central authority was instrumental at the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787. Drawing on insights derived from his Revolutionary War experiences, Hamilton stood firm on the need for overcoming the fragmentation left by the Articles of Confederation.

During the convention, Hamilton was a minority voice from New York. Despite this, he remained engaged and assertive. His proposals attempted to address the central failures he perceived in the confederal system.

Beyond the convention, Hamilton's pivotal role extended into the process of ratification. He enlisted the help of James Madison and John Jay to compose the Federalist Papers, defending and elucidating the Constitution. Hamilton's contributions were prolific, covering topics from the weaknesses of the Confederation to the merits of the proposed Constitution's framework.

Hamilton worked tirelessly during the New York ratifying convention at Poughkeepsie, confronted by a strong delegation of anti-Federalists. Through eloquence in debate, he persuaded his peers on the necessities of the new Constitution. His advocacy was crucial for New York's eventual acquiescence to ratify.

Hamilton's conviction in a sturdy central authority capable of addressing national issues, managing economic policies, and defending its constituents was clear. His work influenced immediate outcomes and laid down the foundations for a robust federal government, addressing diverse needs while unifying various interests into a single national vision.³

Financial System Architect

As the inaugural Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington, Hamilton formulated propositions to stabilize and strengthen America's economy. Among his groundbreaking policies was his advocacy for the federal assumption of state debts, aiming to secure the union by tying the well-being of all states to the financial credibility of the national government.

The centerpiece of his financial reforms was the establishment of the First Bank of the United States. This institution was designed to:

• Store government funds
• Provide loans
• Issue national banknotes
• Regulate monetary stability

The bank served to secure income for the federal government and stimulate economic growth.

Hamilton's proposals aligned with his vision of a diversified economy. He argued that economic diversity was essential for national prosperity and would catalyze greater independence from European manufactured goods.

However, Hamilton's financial strategies were met with opposition. Key founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were wary of his proposals, perceiving them as magnifying central power potentially at the expense of individual liberties and state rights. They challenged the constitutionality of the national bank.

The debates about Hamilton's propositions underscored ideological rifts within Washington's cabinet and set the stage for the emergence of party politics. Hamilton's Federalist perspectives paved the way for the Federalist Party, clashing with Jefferson's Democratic-Republican vision.

Despite these oppositions, Hamilton's reforms were largely enacted and proved transformative, setting a precedent for national economic management. His policies helped stabilize the economy post-independence and shaped the fiscal policy framework used by successive administrations.⁴

The Duel and Legacy

Alexander Hamilton's life was cut tragically short due to a confrontation stemming from political rivalry with Aaron Burr. The immediate cause of the duel can be traced back to the New York gubernatorial race of 1804, in which Hamilton had campaigned against Burr. The tension escalated when a letter insinuated that Hamilton had expressed a "despicable opinion" of Burr.

The duel took place on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was mortally wounded, succumbing to his injuries the day following the duel.

Hamilton's death accentuated his manifold contributions to the formation of the American republic. As the architect of foundational financial systems, his concepts of federal economic policies shaped America's financial independence and sustainability. His ideologies helped solidify the function of the national government.

Hamilton's legacy saw a vivid resurrection through Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, Hamilton. This musical rekindled interest in Hamilton's story, blending historical events with modern resonance. The phenomenon spotlighted Hamilton's historical and political significance and his personal life.

The life of Alexander Hamilton was marked by accomplishments amidst hardships. From immigrant to revolutionary, forger of financial groundwork, and a vital political figure, he remains immortalized on the ten-dollar bill and in scholarly review. His ideologies continue to impact the conduct of American governance.⁵

1. Chernow R. Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Press; 2004.
2. Brookhiser R. Alexander Hamilton, American. Free Press; 1999.
3. McDonald F. Alexander Hamilton: A Biography. W. W. Norton & Company; 1982.
4. Sylla R, Wright RE. Alexander Hamilton, central banker: crisis management during the U.S. financial panic of 1792. Business History Review. 2009;83(1):61-86.
5. Randall W. Alexander Hamilton: A Life. Harper; 2014.