If you happen to have a $10 in your pocket, the individual in the portrait is no other than Alexander Hamilton. And for people who couldn’t care less, they might ask the most telling question of all, “so what?”
During the early stage of the British-American war, he served as a captain in an artillery company where he distinguished himself and caught the attention of General George Washington. Eventually, he became the most trusted secretary of the first American president. He served as the first Secretary of Treasury of the American Government, reconstructing and rebuilding continental America from the ruins brought about by the above-mentioned war.
You would have to imagine that during the tenure of President George Washington, there were no precedents to speak of when it comes to governance, people were afraid of taxes and the very reason that there was war with Britain was because of its excessive taxes levied against the colony.
There were two contrasting views that serve as a demarcation line. It is either that one is for a stronger federal government or for a stronger republican (local) government.
When Alexander Hamilton assumed the position of Secretary of Treasury, he espoused a stronger federal government, calling for the establishment of a central bank and a coherent fiscal system, for the collection and payment of taxes, for the creation of customs, the creation of a navy and a standing army over the objections of the faction led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Without precedence, he argued for the “implied” powers of government before the Supreme Court, winning a monumental brick for the establishment of what is America today. Undoubtedly, he is credited as the father of American government.
The dark side of this story is that he was killed in a duel with then American Vice-President Aaron Burr. He personally thwarted the ploy of Burr in becoming president and governor of New York and was inevitably challenged to a duel. The duel and death of Hamilton ruined the career of Burr, eventually leading to a conspiracy charge (an acquittal) of trying to establish a separate confederate state in the West allied with Spain.
Did I also mention that Alexander Hamilton was a foreigner? He was born in the colony of British West Indies and only migrated to continental America to pursue a degree. The shape of American history and government would have been different if it weren’t for this poor immigrant.
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9 comments:
quite disapponited because despite of what he did, his contribution to the shaping of the republic, Hamilton never quite captured the hearts of the Americans.
Tee,Grace Abigael
Socio 203 C-209
1:30-2:30 MWF
each individual has their own priciple and opinion inlife.like what alexander hamilton. as the story state.he is just a foreigner to that country(america)still he give his very best to pursue his goal. but sad to say he did'nt.
its not the matter of success you made in life. but the history you want change for the better of the society
socio203 c-209
lm21fb1
1:30-2:30pm MWF
Hamilton can be considered as one of the heroic people in the world. Despite the fact that he is not a true American citizen (an immigrant), he used to go off with what is good for the nation. For me, it is not about the money or the richness when you are in the position. It’s about the good intention and the willpower that you’ve shared to the others. This is what Hamilton proved when he first considered as the Secretary of Treasury of American Government.
Abad Oroncillo
Socio 203 c-209
lm21fb1
1:30-2:30 pm MWF
Mr. Hamilton is a good mentor to every Americans if they will be able to cope to his good perspective and idea. I consider him as a Hero because despite of the argumentations of other people in America , he continue to provoke his plans in helping this country to civilize. The fact that he is a foreigner (an imigrant), he has a helping hand to share the idea of making Americe a civilize country.
Norby R. Salonga Socio 203
1:30- 2:30 MWF LM21FB1
According to Earl Nightingale once said: All you have to do is know where you're going. Reading it between the lines, it simply means that you should know your aim and make it as an objective. Consistency, perseverance, loyalty, intrepidity and honesty those are the characteristic of Alexander Hamilton. What Hamilton did, was not manipulative it is effective for their community as well as in our society. Even though, he was just a foreigner to America yet, he gave contribution for the success of that country.
"the only leaders who are qualified to lead are those who have learned to serve" Mr. Hamilton, in spite of nationality proved it the he was a good leader on his domain. America owes him a lot much of what it has now. It's quite disappointing instead of helping him in his reform others (Mr. Burr) envied and pursued his personal interest in the government but as fate have it, he ended up in failure.
MAnglicmot, Jake
Psyc 003
11:30-12:30 MWF
Very disappointing! because for all the good things that Mr. Hamilton did for America, he was never been recognized and appreciated. For me,he is a hero of his time,not because he made a history but because of his dedication to pursue his goal for the benefits of other people.
Jennifer L. Milan
Psyche 003 CM22FA1 11:30-12:30PM
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