Washington appointed Hamilton secretary of the Treasury, where he was responsible for many innovations, such as the financial system, the first American bank, the customs office, an early version of the Coast Guard, and more. Those opposed to his views-antifederalists-loathed Hamilton and tried to undermine his plans at every turn.ĭuring George Washington’s presidency, Hamilton was his close confidante and one of his most trusted counselors. Hamilton collaborated on a lengthy series of essays in defense of Federalism that would come to be known as The Federalist Papers. His stance that a strong central government was necessary to the new country was known as Federalism. Hamilton feared that unless America operated as a union, with the federal government having the power to tax-and to unify-the states, rebellion and even civil war could be expected. His influence and planning led to the Second Continental Congress, during which drafts of what would be the Constitution were outlined. He was a natural leader, courageous and well-liked by his men.Īfter the war ended, Hamilton set up a successful legal practice, but also continued work in politics. After joining an American militia, Hamilton distinguished himself both in military tactics and in combat. The American Revolution interrupted his studies. Hamilton attended a prep school in Elizabeth town, then matriculated to King’s College, where he studied mathematics, Greek, Latin, and law. The tone and intellectual sophistication of the letter impressed many influential people who read it, a fact that culminated in a fund that sent him to New York for his formal education in 1772.

Croix shortly after his mother’s death, and Hamilton wrote a letter illustrating the heartbreaking plight of the thousands who had lost family members and homes. Hamilton’s mother died of a fever when he was 11, and he began living with a cousin.Ī hurricane destroyed much of St.

His early experiences on the islands inspired in him a loathing for slavery and an admiration for just rebellions. Croix, another island in the same Caribbean chain. Alexander Hamilton was born in 1757 on Nevis, a Caribbean island, but was raised primarily on St.

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