Alexander Hamilton, a perfect representation of the American Dream. Born in the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts and Nevis, overcame many childhood obstacles including being an orphan, and still rose to become one of America's most prominent founding fathers and strong advocate of the United States constitution. When George Washington became the country’s first president, he appointed Hamilton be his Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton’s first task as Secretary of Treasury was saving the Country‘s finances. America’s was over fifty million dollars and lacked the ability to borrow money, largely due to the costs of the Revolutionary war and the accumulation of foreign debts. Hamilton thought the best way to solve America’s finances was to
In result, Hamilton's plan led to our modern National Bank today, it as well led to a clear distinction between Federalists and Democratic Republicans. Hamilton’s plan did fix the economy, while
In this position Hamilton’s main focus was to repay the nation’s heavy debt from the Revolutionary War. He strongly believed that the “debt of the United States… was the price of liberty.”
Thus, ensuring even more strongly that wealthy Americans would accept more of the debt themselves by purchasing bonds. This was why Hamilton believed manufacturing to be the United State's road for economic success. As previously stated, the income such businesses would create would have the ability to secure the U.S.'s ability to maintain good credit. By developing this system, Hamilton created a legacy which survived into present day as the United States debt, but also the United States excellent
Hamilton believed that wealthy Americans would provide political support to the government and his plan in general would help pay off the debt to merchants who they owed most of their debt to. However, the debt would have to be paid by through taxes by the American people. Hamilton thought money and wealthy Americans would solve all of their problems concerning debt, and that in result would secure the government. Unfortunately, most Americans were not the wealthy
Hamilton developed radical policies regarding fiscal practices and overturned many obstacles in their development. Alexander Hamilton developed the
Alexander Hamilton once stated, “There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise up above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” Alexander Hamilton was an immigrant that came to America from Nevis, an island in the West Indies, and in later years wrote 51 of The Federalist Papers and also became the First Secretary of the Treasury. However, he also fought during the Revolutionary War and supported the creation of the Constitution. Hamilton contributed to many things during his life including helping with the Revolutionary War and the framework of our nation. Alexander Hamilton is known for accomplishing and supporting many things that built our country.
Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury of the United States, had a lot going for himself being a man that came from poverty to success, and he was a man “all powerful and fails at nothing which he attempts” admitted a congressman in 1791 (Tindall and Shi). Born in the Caribbean in the West Indies, abandoned by his father and orphaned at the age of 13 by his late mother who had died. Later moved to New York, became a lawyer and transitioned to nationalism thus giving him the important role of handling the weight of the debt America had accumulated $54 million deep after the Revolutionary War (Digital History). Hamilton saw the need for some financial credit to be given to America and he had the right idea by proposing a National Bank to his first president George Washington. Word dispersed of that proposal leading a
Alexander Hamilton was the first united states secretary of the treasury, and was a member of the founding fathers. Hamilton was born out of wedlock on January 11, 1755, and because he was born out of an affair, his father abandoned him and he was raised by his mother. Hamilton enrolled in The King 's College in New York City, now known as Columbia University, in the autumn of 1773 as a private student and officially began attending in May, 1774.
He knew that the debts of this country would prevent that show of strength as a country. Hamilton believed when a country is strong they are less likely to be over thrown by another country because they are seen as weak. His plan was to make the US responsible. It must pay off its debts. When a country is responsible the country can borrow money, and establish good credit.
Unlike many other Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton was a fierce abolitionist who fought for the freeing of slaves. Growing up on the Sugar Island of St Croix made a lasting impression on Hamilton. He had early-exposure to the humanity of slaves and witnessed first-hand the atrocities that slaves endured. The import-export company which a juvenile Hamilton worked at sometimes dealt with slave ships. When this happened, it was part of Hamilton’s responsibility to inspect, groom and house the slaves.
The United States had a lot of debt after the war, but it wasn’t the government’s debt. Most Americans, especially veterans, felt the new government wouldn’t ever pay them back the debts they were owed and sold their bonds to speculators. Hamilton’s plan was that the government would pay back these debts because most were owed to wealthier bankers and businessmen. He thought if the wealthy had money already invested in the government, they were most likely to want it to succeed. Additionally, if the nation has debt, it would cause the nation to come together in order to try and diminish and eliminate it which would strengthen the nation.
He successfully argued for the assumption of state debts by the federal government and the establishment of the first national bank – a private, but partially government-owned institution. He firmly established the principles of financial trading. Due to his efforts, the creditworthiness of the United States was restored. Hamilton’s accomplishments as Treasury Secretary were not achieved without a struggle. His congressional opponents tried to exhaust him by demanding detailed reports on the workings of the treasury department with incredibly short delivery dates.
Being a good leader does not necessarily mean shining in the spotlight. Some of the most revolutionary and successful leaders are the ones who worked the lights. Self-awareness, self-direction, vision, ability to motivate, and social awareness are the characteristics of a good leader according to SIY Leadership Institute (SIYLI). There have been many accomplished and renowned leaders in America since (and before) the 1770’s, ones whose names are universally known and others who are unfamiliar. Of the latter is Alexander Hamilton, who showed potential since the minute he was put on earth, for no matter what obstacles were thrown in his way he forged ahead and never threw away his shot.
While a literary device, tragic heroes also appear in real life. A perfect example of a real life tragic hero is Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. This modern tragic hero started life as an orphan in poverty, living in the Caribbean, but his elevated character of exceptional literary skills, wit and progressive political ideas eventually landed him a spot as one of the most influential people in the United States. Alexander Hamilton had a positive hamartia, as he refused to remain quiet about the injustices of his country, oblivious to the danger it created for him and his family. The downfall of Hamilton occurred gradually.
In this paper I will be discussing why I believe Alexander Hamilton to be an economic genius. Who is Alexander Hamilton?