Alexander Hamilton: First Secretary of the Treasury - Fast Facts | History

Summary

Alexander Hamilton, a key figure among the founding fathers, advocated for a federalist government with a strong central authority. Born in the British West Indies, he arrived in the colonies in 1773 and became involved in the Revolutionary War, serving as George Washington's aide-de-camp. After the war, he was instrumental in shaping the US Constitution and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury, where he established the nation's financial system. His political rivalry with Aaron Burr led to a fatal duel in 1804. Hamilton's legacy endures, particularly in the establishment of federal principles and as the face on the $10 bill.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚖️ Alexander Hamilton was a lawyer, soldier, statesman, and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
• 🏛️ He was a strong proponent of a federalist form of government with a strong centralized authority.
• 🏝️ Born between 1755 and 1757 in the British West Indies, he faced a challenging upbringing.
• 🎓 He attended Kings College, now Columbia University, where he was influenced by political factions.
• ✍️ Hamilton began his political career by publishing his first piece of writing as a 'friend of America'.
• ⚔️ He joined the Revolutionary War in 1775, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel and aide to George Washington.
• 💍 While in the army, he married Elizabeth Schuyler, which connected him to a powerful family.
• 📜 After the revolution, he was a lawyer, a member of the Continental Congress, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
• 🏛️ He was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Constitution and authored the majority of the Federalist Papers.
• 💼 As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he established the Treasury Department and policies for a national economy.
• 🔫 His political rivalry with Aaron Burr led to a fatal duel in 1804, ending Hamilton's life on July 12th.
• 💼 He is remembered for his contributions to the establishment of federal principles and national economy, and his face is on the $10 bill.

Q & A

Who was Alexander Hamilton and what was his role in the formation of the United States?

Alexander Hamilton was a lawyer, soldier, statesman, and the first Secretary of the Treasury. He was a strong proponent of a federalist form of government and played a key role in the establishment of the United States' financial and governmental systems.

What was Alexander Hamilton's early life like, and where was he born?

Alexander Hamilton was born between 1755 and 1757 in the British West Indies, the product of an adulterous affair. He was abandoned by his father in 1766 and grew up without privilege.

When and why did Alexander Hamilton come to the mainland colonies?

Hamilton came to the mainland colonies in 1773. He was drawn to the political strife and soon became involved in the revolutionary activities against British rule.

What was Alexander Hamilton's contribution to the Revolutionary War?

Hamilton left college to join the Revolutionary War in 1775. By 1777, he had become a lieutenant colonel and aide-de-camp to General George Washington.

How did Alexander Hamilton's marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler influence his life?

Marrying Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of the wealthy and influential General Philip Schuyler, provided Hamilton with social and political connections that furthered his career.

What was the significance of the Federalist Papers in relation to the U.S. Constitution?

The Federalist Papers, authored primarily by Alexander Hamilton, were a series of 85 articles published in newspapers to convince states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

As the first Secretary of the Treasury, what were some of Alexander Hamilton's key policies and beliefs?

As Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton designed the Treasury Department, advocated for the federal government's role in collecting and dispersing money, and was fervent about paying down the national debt.

What was Alexander Hamilton's plan for the national economy?

Hamilton laid out a plan for a national economy that included the establishment of a national bank, a system of tariffs, and encouragement of manufacturing, which was crucial during a time when many doubted the feasibility of a unified economy.

Why did Alexander Hamilton step down as Secretary of the Treasury in 1795?

Hamilton stepped down as Secretary of the Treasury to return to his law practice, although he remained politically active and influential.

How did the political and personal feud between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr culminate?

The long-standing political and personal feud between Hamilton and Burr culminated in a duel on July 11th, 1804, at Weehawken, New Jersey, where Hamilton was fatally shot by Burr.

What is Alexander Hamilton's legacy, and how is he commemorated today?

Alexander Hamilton is remembered for establishing the federal principles of national government. He is commemorated on the $10 bill and is considered a key figure in the founding of the United States.