Alexander Hamilton - Author of The Federalist Papers & First Secretary of Treasury | Mini Bio | BIO

Summary

Alexander Hamilton, a prominent Founding Father, was a lawyer, soldier, and the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Born in the British West Indies, he rose from humble beginnings, eventually playing a crucial role in establishing a strong centralized government through his advocacy for federalism. Hamilton co-authored the influential Federalist Papers and created the foundations of the U.S. Treasury, stabilizing the national economy. Despite his accomplishments, a longstanding feud with Aaron Burr culminated in a fatal duel in 1804. Hamilton's legacy endures as a key architect of the American government.

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, advocating for a strong centralized government.
• 🌴 Hamilton was born between 1755 and 1757 in the British West Indies and faced challenges growing up, including being abandoned by his father.
• 🎓 He came to the mainland colonies in 1773 and attended King's College, now Columbia University.
• 📝 Hamilton became involved in political writings early, signing his first piece as 'a friend of America.'
• ⚔️ During the Revolutionary War, Hamilton served as a lieutenant colonel and aide to General George Washington.
• 💍 He married Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of General Philip Schuyler, during his time in the Army.
• 🗳️ Hamilton was a key figure at the Constitutional Convention and authored many of The Federalist Papers to advocate for the ratification of the US Constitution.
• 💰 As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton designed the treasury department and focused on establishing a strong national economy.
• 🤝 Hamilton's political rivalry with Aaron Burr culminated in a duel in 1804, where he was fatally shot by Burr.

Q & A

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

Alexander Hamilton was a lawyer, soldier, statesman, and the first Secretary of the Treasury in the United States. He was a key proponent of a strong centralized government.

Where and when was Alexander Hamilton born?

Alexander Hamilton was born between 1755 and 1757 in the British West Indies.

What significant event happened in Alexander Hamilton's childhood?

Hamilton was abandoned by his father in 1766, and he grew up without privilege.

When did Alexander Hamilton come to the mainland colonies, and where did he study?

Hamilton came to the mainland colonies in 1773 and enrolled in what was then King's College, now Columbia University.

What was Hamilton's early involvement in the American Revolution?

When the Revolutionary War began in 1775, Hamilton left college to join the fight, and by 1777 he became a lieutenant colonel and aide to General George Washington.

Who did Alexander Hamilton marry, and how was this marriage significant?

Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of General Philip Schuyler, a powerful and wealthy figure, which strengthened his social and political connections.

What was Hamilton’s role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

Hamilton was a New York delegate to the Constitutional Convention, where he advocated for replacing the Articles of Confederation with a strong central government and contributed significantly to the Federalist Papers.

What were The Federalist Papers, and what was Hamilton's contribution to them?

The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 articles published to convince states to ratify the US Constitution. Hamilton was the primary author and architect of many of these articles.

What was Hamilton’s role as the first Secretary of the Treasury?

As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton designed the Treasury Department and laid out a plan for a national economy, believing the federal government should manage national finances and debt.

How did Alexander Hamilton die?

Hamilton died on July 12, 1804, after being shot by Aaron Burr in a duel on July 11, 1804, stemming from a long-standing political and personal feud.