Podcast
Questions and Answers
Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of ______ in the British West Indies.
Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of ______ in the British West Indies.
Nevis
Hamilton's mother worked to maintain a small business and provide her sons with a good ______.
Hamilton's mother worked to maintain a small business and provide her sons with a good ______.
education
Hamilton served as a translator between French officers and ______ during the French involvement in the war.
Hamilton served as a translator between French officers and ______ during the French involvement in the war.
Washington
After the American army was forced to retreat in 1776, Hamilton's company fell under ______'s leadership.
After the American army was forced to retreat in 1776, Hamilton's company fell under ______'s leadership.
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Hamilton was deeply concerned about the persecution of ______ during the war and its aftermath.
Hamilton was deeply concerned about the persecution of ______ during the war and its aftermath.
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Hamilton worked with James Madison to convince the assembly to move toward constitutional ______.
Hamilton worked with James Madison to convince the assembly to move toward constitutional ______.
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Hamilton advocated for a strong central ______.
Hamilton advocated for a strong central ______.
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Hamilton issued orders and demanded troops from senior ______.
Hamilton issued orders and demanded troops from senior ______.
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Hamilton's radical suggestions for a strong central government were largely ignored, but his ideas made other centralizing reforms seem more ______.
Hamilton's radical suggestions for a strong central government were largely ignored, but his ideas made other centralizing reforms seem more ______.
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Hamilton joined James Madison and John Jay to write ______.
Hamilton joined James Madison and John Jay to write ______.
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He wrote two-thirds of the ______.
He wrote two-thirds of the ______.
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Hamilton advocated for the creation of a central ______.
Hamilton advocated for the creation of a central ______.
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Hamilton faced opposition from other Founding Fathers like ______, Adams, and Jefferson.
Hamilton faced opposition from other Founding Fathers like ______, Adams, and Jefferson.
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Hamilton's group called themselves the ______.
Hamilton's group called themselves the ______.
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Their split ushered in the era of political ______.
Their split ushered in the era of political ______.
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Study Notes
Alexander Hamilton's Early Life
- Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies.
- Hamilton's mother was divorced, and both he and his brother were considered illegitimate.
- His father left the family due to a controversy about a relationship with a previously-married woman.
- Hamilton's mother worked to maintain a small business and provide her sons with a good education.
- His mother died in 1768, when Hamilton was a teenager.
- Hamilton went to work in a merchant house in Nevis.
- Hamilton became increasingly aware of class structures as he worked long hours while his peers spent their wages on luxuries.
- He was able to move to Boston to pursue further education.
- Hamilton left Nevis in 1772 or early 1773 and never returned.
Hamilton's Role in the American Revolution
- He gave a speech on July 6, 1774, about liberty, justice, and freedom.
- Hamilton led a small group at the start of the Revolution focusing on strengthening defenses around New York City.
- Hamilton's company fell under George Washington's leadership after the American army was forced to retreat in 1776.
- Hamilton impressed Washington with his leadership skills and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
- Hamilton provided Washington with eloquent rhetoric, political and economic depth, and access to confidential information.
- He even issued orders on Washington's behalf.
- Hamilton served as a translator between French officers and Washington during the French involvement in the war.
- He broadened his economic and political education during his four years as Washington's aide.
- Hamilton established lifelong connections across the colonies.
- Hamilton wielded considerable power as Washington's aide.
- He issued orders and demanded troops from senior commanders.
Hamilton's Role in the Post-Revolution
- Hamilton advocated for the reconciliation of Loyalists with the new United States.
- He was deeply concerned about the persecution of Loyalists during the war and its aftermath.
- Hamilton believed that the persecution would harm New York's economic growth.
- Hamilton used his skills as a lawyer to defend Loyalist interests and help heal the nation.
Hamilton's Role in the Constitution
- Hamilton worked with James Madison to convince the assembly to move toward constitutional reform.
- He was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
- He advocated for a strong central government.
- Hamilton's radical suggestions for a strong central government were largely ignored, but his ideas made other centralizing reforms seem more moderate.
- During a six-hour speech, Hamilton argued for a king – elected for life – and a strong executive branch.
- He was part of the special committee that finalized the Constitution before it was signed.
Hamilton and The Federalist Papers
- Hamilton joined James Madison and John Jay to write The Federalist Papers.
- He wrote two-thirds of the essays.
- The Federalist Papers was a series of 85 essays aimed at convincing the people of New York to ratify the Constitution.
- The essays displayed rhetorical eloquence and political expertise.
- Four essays were published each week.
Contributions to the National Economy
- Hamilton advocated for the creation of a central bank.
- He believed that a central bank would support the national treasury by providing a uniform currency, managing the national money supply, storing government savings, and lending to public and private entities.
- He faced opposition from other Founding Fathers like Madison, Adams, and Jefferson.
- They concerned that a central bank would expand government authority and lead to tyranny.
- Despite this opposition, Hamilton persuaded Washington to sign the bill creating the Bank of the United States.
- In 1791, the nation experienced its first financial bubble, and Hamilton prevented an economic collapse.
- Hamilton established the national mint to create a standardized national currency, a necessity for a national bank.
- He researched coinage from other countries to unify the American currency.
- He worked with Thomas Jefferson on the research for the national mint.
- Hamilton wanted to create coins of different values for all classes and to symbolize patriotism.
Hamilton and Political Parties
- Hamilton's forceful personality made him many enemies.
- He contributed unintentionally to the formation of political parties.
- Factions formed around Hamilton and Madison as they split over Hamilton's economic vision for America.
- Jefferson joined Madison in opposition to Hamilton.
- Hamilton's group called themselves the Federalists.
- Jefferson's group called themselves the Republicans.
- They frequently attacked each other in the press.
- Their split ushered in the era of political parties.
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Description
Explore the significant early life experiences of Alexander Hamilton and his vital contributions during the American Revolution. This quiz delves into his background, family struggles, and his stance on liberty and justice. Test your knowledge of Hamilton's formative years and revolutionary activities.
