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Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton. 1755-1804. Born At the Bottom . Born in British West Indies Which makes him an immigrant Illegitimate child Mother had an affair No written record of birth or baptism Bottom of social and economic ladder. Financial Education . Worked at mother’s store until her death

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Alexander Hamilton

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  1. Alexander Hamilton 1755-1804

  2. Born At the Bottom • Born in British West Indies • Which makes him an immigrant • Illegitimate child • Mother had an affair • No written record of birth or baptism • Bottom of social and economic ladder

  3. Financial Education • Worked at mother’s store until her death • Worked as a clerk for international trader • Learned about finances • Developed a deep hatred of slavery • Learned about science and humanities from Scottish Presbyterian minister • Unusual for minister to teach something other than theology • Mentors sent him to America for further education • 1773 (appx. 18 yrs old)

  4. College Years • Sent to King’s College (Columbia University) • Same time as Continental Congress • Financial supporters were Whigs • Went to Boston after Tea Party to investigate problem • Decided to become a patriot

  5. Military Years • Forms drilling company with buddies • Learns artillery • Gains favor with Gen Henry Knox • Recognized by Washington • Becomes his aide-de-camp (age 22) • Relationship tense between Wash and Ham

  6. Post Revolution • Studies law • Continental tax collector • Member of Continental Congress • Considers government to be inefficient • Defends former loyalists in court cases

  7. Supports Constitution • Writes part of The Federalist • Believes New York needs to ratify Constitution

  8. Secretary of Treasury • Proposed that U.S. should incorporate all Revolutionary debts • 1st public debt • National Bank • Excise tax (esp. Whiskey) • More paper money

  9. Economic Plan • Support wealthy • Wealthy will support government • Prosperity trickles down to the masses • Do this by federal government paying debts • Congress $54 million • State 21.5 million

  10. National Bank • Privately owned • Part of federal government • People can buy bonds • Issue currency • Problem- not stated in Constitution

  11. Creates Federalist Party • Prefers strong central government • Favors Aristocracy • Thinks the “mob” is incapable of rule • Disagrees with Jefferson

  12. The Affairs • Has an affair with Maria Reynolds • Discovers extreme Federalist conspiracy • Headed by Aaron Burr

  13. Duel With Aaron Burr • Burr- Vice President with Jefferson • Duels with Hamilton • Kills him • Eventually tried for treason and released • Lives in Europe until his death

  14. Questions • Why is Hamilton considered a lonely Founding Father, never gaining a strong reputation like Washington and Jefferson? • How do you reconcile his upbringing with his political and economic theories?

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