Alexander Hamilton as a Politic

Early Political Involvement

At the beginning of Alexander Hamilton's career, he served as one of the New York delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 (Chernow, 2004). He proposed that senators and the executive serve for life and that the executives have an absolute veto. Although his proposals were not accepted, Hamilton campaigned vigorously for the Constitution. He was determined for everyone to be informed about it. Hamilton joined forces with James Madison and John Jay in writing The Federalist Papers in support of the Constitution, aiming to clarify and advocate for its principles (Federalist Papers Project, n.d.). Hamilton was also a delegate to the New York ratifying convention in Poughkeepsie in the summer of 1788, where he played a crucial role in convincing the Anti-Federalists in New York to adopt the new Constitution (Stourzh, 1970).

Financial Reforms and Political Rivalry

After his close friend, George Washington, was elected America's first president in 1789, Hamilton was appointed as Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton aimed to create a stable financial foundation for America and to increase the power of the central government. He proposed that the nation assume state debts, which would bind creditors to the federal government, thereby strengthening the central authority. Despite opposition from Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Hamilton's plan was passed in Congress, albeit with some modifications (Elkins & McKitrick, 1993).

The Establishment of the First Bank

Hamilton agreed for the nation’s capital to be located along the Potomac River, a compromise that facilitated the passage of his financial plan (Ellis, 2000). He then founded the First Bank of the United States, a centerpiece of his financial strategy, modeled on the Bank of England. This institution held government funds, issued loans, provided currency, and increased liquid capital to facilitate economic growth. Jefferson and Madison criticized Hamilton's policies, arguing they favored the central government and the wealthy over the common people. These differences contributed to the formation of the first political parties in the United States, with Hamilton leading the Federalists and Jefferson leading the Democratic-Republicans (McDonald, 1979).

Neutrality and Resignation

When Great Britain and France began fighting in 1793, Hamilton supported Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality, which declared that America would remain neutral in conflicts between France and Great Britain. This stance was opposed by Jefferson, who was frustrated by Washington's frequent alignment with Hamilton's views, leading to his resignation in December 1793 (Bowen, 1966). In 1794, Hamilton helped suppress the Whiskey Rebellion, demonstrating the strength of the federal government. He resigned from his post in January 1795 but remained politically active, assisting in drafting Washington’s Farewell Address in 1796 (Brookhiser, 1999).

Later Years and Legacy

Washington was called out of retirement in 1798 to lead a Provisional Army when war with France seemed imminent. Washington insisted that Hamilton be his second-in-command, and Hamilton became the senior-ranking officer following Washington's death in December 1799. He resigned from the army in 1800 (Chernow, 2004). During the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson finished in an electoral tie with Aaron Burr. Some Federalist Congressmen preferred Burr, but Hamilton believed Jefferson was the more suitable choice. He wrote a detailed essay explaining why Jefferson should be president over Burr, describing Burr as “a man of extreme and irregular ambition; that he is selfish to a degree which excludes all social affections. He is inferior in real ability to Jefferson” (Hamilton, 1800). Hamilton's influence helped break the tie, leading to Jefferson's presidency.

The Duel and Death

In 1804, during the New York election for state governor, the Albany Register published claims that Hamilton had insulted Burr, contributing to Burr's electoral defeat. Infuriated, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. Reluctantly, Hamilton accepted, and on July 11, 1804, Burr mortally wounded him in Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton succumbed to his injuries on July 12, 1804 (Freeman, 2001). Today, Hamilton is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the United States and the architect of its national financial system. His legacy endures, with his portrait gracing the ten-dollar bill.

References:

• Bowen, C. D. (1966). Miracle at Philadelphia: The Story of the Constitutional Convention May to September 1787. Little, Brown.
• Brookhiser, R. (1999). Alexander Hamilton, American. Free Press.
• Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Press.
• Elkins, S. M., & McKitrick, E. (1993). The Age of Federalism: The Early American Republic, 1788-1800. Oxford University Press.
• Ellis, J. J. (2000). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Federalist Papers Project. (n.d.). The Federalist Papers.
• Freeman, J. (2001). Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic. Yale University Press.
• Hamilton, A. (1800). [Letter regarding the election of 1800].
• McDonald, F. (1979). Alexander Hamilton: A Biography. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Stourzh, G. (1970). Alexander Hamilton and the Idea of Republican Government. Stanford University Press.