Alexander Hamilton Influence

Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential political figures of his time. Though he never attained the title of president, few other foundering fathers influenced our political system more than he did. He is the perfect example of the American dream, because he rose from nothing to become a major player in forming our government. Weather you love or hate him, it’s hard to deny the influence he had on America. Hamilton began life in less than happy conditions. Rachel Faucette, his mother, was married to another man when she became pregnant by his father. Though she later attained a divorce, she never married James Hamilton. In fact, the courts forbid her form ever marrying again. Even these less than humble beings could not stop

They both played huge roles in his life, and political career. Washington’s friendship would put him in a place of power, and Jefferson’s rivalry would help keep said power in check. When Washington placed him as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, he gave Hamilton a podium to achieve his view of what America should be. The same could be said when he made Thomas Jefferson the first Secretary of the State. It’s safe to say that Washington leaned on Hamilton more for ideas. He would often go to Hamilton for advice, and even asked his help in gaining favor from the public on touchy subjects. Washington asked for his help in gaining the public’s favor for the John Jay Treaty. Hamilton publicly defended the treaty, as part of an astute strategy by the president. Washington even asked Hamilton, retired at the time, to write his farewell

bank. Hamilton’s plan for a Bank of the United States also saw opposition from Jefferson. The model he used came from the Bank of England. His hope was that it would stimulate the economy, could make loans to the United States, would be a place for the federal funds, and would increase the supply of money. Thomas Jefferson, who was still Secretary of the State, believed the bank was unconstitutional. He stated the constitution did not give congress the power to charter a bank. Hamilton would win, and our First Bank of the U.S. was