Alexander Hamilton: The Life of an American Legend

Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a brilliant economist, a gifted orator, and a fearless military leader. His ideas and actions helped to shape the course of American history.

American Legends: The Life of Alexander Hamilton

by Martha Maeda

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	42 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life and Education

Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1755, on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies. His father was a Scottish merchant and his mother was a French Huguenot. Hamilton's parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother. He showed a talent for writing and public speaking at an early age.

In 1772, Hamilton was sent to study at King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City. He excelled in his studies and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He also became involved in the American Revolution.

Military Career

In 1776, Hamilton joined the Continental Army. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1777 he was a lieutenant colonel. He fought in many of the major battles of the war, including the Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Yorktown. Hamilton's military service earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers and the admiration of General George Washington.

Political Career

After the war, Hamilton entered politics. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and a member of the Constitutional Convention. He played a key role in the writing of the Constitution, and he was one of the most articulate defenders of its ratification. Hamilton served as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington. In this role, he created the national banking system, the national debt, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Hamilton's economic policies helped to stabilize the new nation and to lay the foundation for its economic growth.

Personal Life

Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780. They had eight children together. Hamilton was a devoted husband and father, but he was also a passionate and ambitious man. He had a number of affairs, and his marriage was often strained.

Death

Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804. The duel was the result of a long-standing political feud between the two men. Hamilton was 49 years old at the time of his death. He was buried in Trinity Churchyard in New York City.

Legacy

Alexander Hamilton was a brilliant and complex man. He was a brilliant economist, a gifted orator, a fearless military leader, and a passionate patriot. His ideas and actions helped to shape the course of American history. Hamilton is considered to be one of the most important Founding Fathers of the United States, and his legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

Image Descriptions

* **Image 1:** Alexander Hamilton, a portrait by John Trumbull. Hamilton is depicted in a blue uniform with a white cravat. He has a determined expression on his face. * **Image 2:** The Battle of Yorktown, a painting by John Trumbull. The painting depicts the British surrender to the American and French forces at the Battle of Yorktown. Hamilton is shown in the foreground, on horseback. * **Image 3:** The signing of the Constitution, a painting by Howard Chandler Christy. Hamilton is shown in the foreground, signing the Constitution. * **Image 4:** The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, a painting by John Trumbull. The painting depicts the duel between Hamilton and Burr, which took place on July 11, 1804. Hamilton is shown lying on the ground, having been mortally wounded.

American Legends: The Life of Alexander Hamilton

by Martha Maeda

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	42 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE