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Why Is Alexander Hamilton Important Today

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Hamilton, a musical that took the world by storm, popularized Alexander Hamilton, who was previously known as the “forgotten founder” (American Battlefield Trust). This show educated the masses about his life and accomplishments. However, what many do not know is the extent to which he formed the principles of our nation. Without him, America would not have the reputation or be the global power it is today. Alexander Hamilton’s economic and financial policies, which include his debt policy and the formation of a national bank, as well as his political beliefs in private ownership and foreign affairs, demonstrate his role in shaping modern America. Hamilton’s economic policy of necessary financial change and his establishment of institutions …show more content…

being pulled into the conflict, convinced Washington to issue a proclamation of neutrality” (O’Brien). This set a precedent for America’s foreign affairs politics. The United States remained neutral in all European wars for 128 years, until they became officially involved in World War I, entering Europe in 1917. By convincing Washington to remain neutral, Hamilton almost single-handedly decided on the U.S.’s foreign affairs policy. This is still prevalent today, as American leaders and diplomats look towards peace rather than war. Lastly, the Federalist Party, founded and originally led by Alexander Hamilton, advocated for a capitalist society and a strong central government (“Federalist Party”). Today, this political party has transformed into the Republican Party. Hamilton’s insistent cries for a central government led to controversy, especially in the South, who feared too much Northern influence. In response, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison created the Democratic-Republican party, which is known as the Democratic Party in modern day, in opposition to Hamilton and his political beliefs (“Federalist Party”). These parties still disagree today, as seen every four

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In 1791, Treasurer Alexander Hamilton proposed the First Bank of the United States, also called the First Bank, which, with the necessary-and-proper clause, allowed the government to act on the four rights stated in the Constitution: “the rights to collect taxes, borrow money, regulate trade among states, and support fleets and armies.” The charter of the First Bank caused a debate that Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, a large opponent of a central banking system, later described as “the most bitter and angry contest ever known in Congress before or since the union of the states.” The intensity of it is conveyed in “Cabinet Battle #1” in Hamilton: An American Musical, in which the debate between Hamilton and Jefferson is recreated in

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856 Words | 4 Pages

Alexander Hamilton was present at the Constitutional Convention, where he had made claims, that ultimately failed, for a National Bank to be included in the Constitution. After the United States was born, Hamilton believed that the U.S. was headed towards an industrial and commercial society. Where the housing of its money should be by the federal government. Thus, the creation of a bank would be necessary to allow for Congress to borrow and lend money with other countries. An industrial nation would need outside funds to be successful.

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1763 Words | 8 Pages

Although Alexander Hamilton’s institution of the national bank and, more importantly, his reform of domestic manufacturing were significant, his most important contribution to the economic success of the early United States was his resolution of the national

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299 Words | 2 Pages

However, Hamilton, our first secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson usually never agreed with each other, but that didn’t stop Hamilton to create our first National Bank that was submitted on December 14, 1790. Unfortunately, not everybody liked Hamilton’s ideas because in 1804 Hamilton had died. (“Alexander Hamilton”). After Hamilton's death in 1804, Jonathan Dayton who was elected a seat in our first Congress, he still supported “Hamilton’s financial program” and was “pressed for suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion” (“Jonathan Dayton”). In the end, Hamilton showed leadership by creating our first National Bank, fought in our war like Odysseus fought for his men on his journey home from the Trojan, and wrote two-third of our new

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234 Words | 1 Pages

Alexander Hamilton proposed the Financial Plan, which would develop one of the earliest capitalist economy in the New World. However, Jefferson and Madison opposed these programs proposed by Hamilton. Madison opposed Hamilton’s programs because he believed the plan was more beneficial to the wealthy than the poor. Since Hamilton had close ties to many of the rich leaders in the nation, his programs geared towards benefitting the wealthy more. One of Madison’s programs was to sell securities bonds to creditors, which would benefit the wealthy folks by guaranteeing that they will receive large amounts of money in return if they chose to buy the bonds, and this was unacceptable to Jefferson.

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876 Words | 4 Pages

Alexander Hamilton (2004) is a detailed true story of one of the most important figures in American history. It is based on Hamilton’s early life. As a politician, as a revolutionary war hero, and the first treasury secretary, Hamilton dedicated his life and intellect to unifying and strengthening the United States. Hamilton in truth did perhaps more than any other one person to secure the power of the American Union. Though he was never president, he was a hero deemed as a true founding father, title he kept till his death.

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1449 Words | 6 Pages

Hamilton 's monetary course of action for the nation included working up a national bank like that in England to keep up open credit; cementing the states ' commitments under the focal government; and initiating guarded tolls and government enrichments to empower American makes. These measures fortified the administration 's vitality to the hindrance of the states. Jefferson and his political accomplices limited these progressions. Francophile Jefferson expected that the Bank of the United States addressed an inordinate measure of English effect, and he battled that the Constitution did not give Congress the capacity to set up a bank. He didn 't assume that propelling produces was as basic as supporting the authoritatively settled agrarian base.

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Hamilton wanted to create public credit with a treasury system, a national bank, a mint, and increase manufacturing which would help unify the country. On the other hand, there was Jefferson, who opposed a strong central government. He argued that the “wealthy would gain at the expense of ordinary Americans and that Hamilton’s political economy would corrupt the morality of citizens and undermine the social conditions essential to republican government”(Powerpoint). The country would opt for an approach closer to Hamilton’s views. One of the first acts was the National Banking Act.

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961 Words | 4 Pages

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

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800 Words | 4 Pages

In this paper I will be discussing why I believe Alexander Hamilton to be an economic genius. Who is Alexander Hamilton?

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425 Words | 2 Pages

ALEXANDER HAMILTON Alexander Hamilton was an important figure in the making of America. Alexander had a rough childhood but through it all, he rose to the top. One of Alexander's many accomplishments was creating the financial system our government uses. Also, he worked with the first president of the United States, George Washington. Alexander Hamilton had many accomplishments, like fighting in the Revolutionary was but he also had some rivalries.

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396 Words | 2 Pages

After the ratification of the Constitution, a new system of government was introduced, but America was facing major difficulties. The United States was in an enormous amount of debt from the Revolutionary War, and rising political parties were already developing tensions. Political leaders such as Alexander Hamilton and George Washington took measures to shape the orderly growth of the United States Government which followed. Hamilton’s financial plan and Washington’s precedent contributed to the institution of a strong national government that would shape the economic growth of the U.S. During the state of debt, Hamilton recognized America ’s need for an effective financial system.

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1060 Words | 5 Pages

Still arguing about the cost of trade the states called a meeting to address it and Hamilton was amongst those called to represent. They began to set place to as we know now as our nation’s constitution. “Hamilton didn't have a strong hand in writing the Constitution, but he did heavily influence its ratification, or approval” (Biography.com). After arguing his case, our constitution was established and put into place. Hamilton wanted the government to be able to borrow money from other countries, so he decided to make the Bank of the United States.

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1205 Words | 5 Pages

From being a poor boy, in a poor country, to becoming America's first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton had a very intense and intriguing life. He had a huge part in shaping America and made a tremendous contribution to achieving its independence, like many in his time, but what sets him apart is in his writing. His writings caught the eye of many Americans, including President George Washington, and earned him a ticket to the New World and his new profound fame. From his dreadful childhood to his many accomplishments, to the duel that was his downfall, Hamilton arose out of nowhere and made a name for himself in The New World. He had a problematic childhood, filled with unfortunate deaths, questionable friends, and the thought

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536 Words | 3 Pages

Alexander Hamilton, one of our most prominent founding fathers have been a staple point in American history. He is seen as one of the most controversial characters in his time with drama coming from all sides. Later leading to his death. With his created of the first Bank of America and all his policies he can be credited for America’s strength when it comes to finances. His personality is also a driving force be he was the most unfortunate father.

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