Alexander Hamilton
From Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia
Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) was born on January 11,1755 on the island of Nevis (part of the Leeward Islands), to Rachael Paucett Lavien and James Hamilton. The family moved to St. Croix in 1765, where they were abandoned by James. Hamilton was apprenticed to a merchant firm, when he was twelve and worked as a clerk. He became orphaned in 1768, when his mother passed away. In 1772, Hamilton decided to go to New York, and through his own ambition and the help of several friends was able to attend King's College (Columbia University today).
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During the American Revolution
In 1776 Hamilton joined a local militia, and in March was appointed an artillery captain. Hamilton then served on Long Island with George Washington's forces. He helped fortify Harlem Heights, fought at White Plains, and helped with the retreat through New Jersey. He participated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and became an aide-de-camp in March 1777 to General Washington. Hamilton went on to help reorganize the army and lead a regiment at the battle of Yorktown.
Hamilton's Rise to Prominence
Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler late in 1780. After Yorktown Hamilton, settled back in New York where he passed the bar and began practicing law. He also served in the Continental Congress. Hamilton was in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He played less of a major role since he supported a minority for New York, of which supported a strong central government. Hamilton was indispensable for his input in the Federalist Papers, and for his ability to help get the Constitution ratified.
Hamilton became the first Secretary of the Treasury in September of 1789 in Washington's administration. While secretary, Hamilton and then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson began to oppose each others views, and formed two factions in the administration. Hamilton and his wing would become known as the Federalists, and were seen as supporting a strong central government and as anglophiles. Jefferson and his supporters became known as Democratic Republicans (and sometimes called the Republicans, Jeffersonians, or Democrats). They supported a loosened central government and were seen as francophiles. Both Hamilton and Jefferson accused each other of meddling in each other's departments, and this helped facilitate the resignation of each from their posts.
Hamilton is responsible for creating a national bank, the mint, and securing credit for the young United States; by addressing the nation's debt from the Revolution. Hamilton is also known for helping to establish a strong central government, and for his insightfulness of the need to build industry in the new nation. Hamilton resigned from Washington's administration in 1795, although he continued to influence national policy and politics.
Hamilton and Jefferson
Hamilton and Jefferson were two exemplary men, with different backgrounds and political views. George Washington chose these two distinct personalities to help shape the newly elected federal government. They viewed each other with suspicion, but were still able to work cohesively. The feud that arose between these men became more evident after the creation of the National Bank. Each viewed the other as being an anglophile or francophile, with interest that could devastate the new nation. This fueled a sharp break in Washington's cabinet, and led to the first parties in American politics. The tension between the Federalist and the Democratic Republicans only excelled as the young United States became more entangled with France and Great Britain.
Late Career
After his resignation from the Washington administration, Hamilton returned to his law practice in New York. Hamilton being at the forefront of the Federalist party was responsible for facilitating a break with John Adams. This led to high tensions and in the election of 1796, Hamilton tried to get Thomas Pinckney elected over Adams. Adams also was upset that Hamilton had an influence in his cabinet. Adams and Hamilton differed in their opinions on how to deal with the growing tensions between France and America, and the ensuing Franco American Quasi War. Hamilton tried to influence the election of 1800, it backfired though. The election saw an equal number of electoral college votes cast between Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson, both Democratic Republicans. Hamilton used his influence to help swing the vote for Jefferson, because he believed Burr to be both, "ill-equipped and dangerous." Hamilton and Burr continued to battle, and in New York Burr was defeated for governor in 1804. Burr associated his defeat with Hamilton's meddling. Burr subsequently challenged Hamilton to a duel, and Burr wounded Alexander Hamilton mortally . Alexander Hamilton died on July 12, 1804.
See Also
Further Sources
- Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. New York: Penguin Press, 2004.
- Columbia University Libraries Archival Collections. Hamilton Family Papers, 1768-1930. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/archival/collections/ldpd_4079745/index.html
- DAB, 4:171-179
- Freeman, Joanne B. ed. Alexander Hamilton, Writings.. New York: The Library of America, 2001.
- Hamilton, Alexander. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. Edited by Harold C. Syrett et al. New York: Columbia University Press, 1961-1987. 27 volumes.
- Spalding, Tim. Alexander Hamilton on the Web. http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/hamilton/ A directory of more than 200 websites, books, and other resources on Hamilton, including images.
- Look for sources in the Thomas Jefferson Portal
