Alexander Hamilton Relationship

Paragraph 3: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr are similar people but both live different lives. They both became orphans at a very young age. Alex was born on January 11, 1755 in Nevis. He was always energetic. Early on when Alex was young, James Hamilton Sr. left them.

These are all things that could have affected the Revolutionary War and our country. Eventhough, the United States was not Hamilton’s birth country he supported it and what it stood

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

Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were complete opposites on the political spectrum, it only makes sense that the two were constantly at odds. Jefferson opposed nearly every viewpoint that Hamilton had. Whether it was on economics, how people who were delegated, foreign policy, and their parties themselves they were contrary to each other. Jefferson, “Distrusted special privilege” (Jefferson), on the other hand Hamilton, “Thought that the rich, educated and wellborn were the people who should rule” (Hamilton). Jefferson believed that no one should more power than anyone else based on class, Hamilton wanted the upperclass to run the government.

Alexander Hamilton was off the battlefield for years due to Washington putting him in charge of written work, like letters or strategies to use, Hamilton grew tired of doing nothing and with Washington's permission, he was back in action. Hamilton lead a powerful blow in the battle of Yorktown against the British, this battle lead to the signing of the Treaty Of Paris and finally ended the Revolutionary War in 1783, America finally gained independence from

This led to many different conflicts especially during his political career. He had many disagreements with other politicians when they thought differently than himself, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Aaron Burr, but one conflict that he had that did not include politics was his affair with Maria Reynolds. This affair was thought to be one of the first major scandals in the country’s history (Biography.com 30). As for the political conflicts, they mostly consisted of letters being published about the other person to humiliate them or to cause them to lose their political influence, but some ended with a duel. In the case of Thomas Jefferson, he and Hamilton had opposing views and both spent a lot of time trying to discredit the other, in the case of John Adams, Hamilton was afraid that he did not share his political views and did not want someone like that as president so he tried to sway the voting so that Adams would be vice president instead (Britannica 15).

The years following the American triumph over the British monarchy were characterized by patriotism, passion and political revolution. However, those years were also times of confusion, uncertainty and government unrest. In Affairs of Honor, Joanne Freeman takes the audience through the personal lives and papers of five founding fathers to reveals the complex culture of politics and the importance of honor in the earliest days of the republic. By investigating the link between politics and culture, Affairs of Honor thoroughly demonstrates the significance of rank, credit, fame, character, name, reputation and honor in the critical period(?) of the United States.

Section 1 – Identification and Evaluation of Sources This investigation will explore the question: What was the effect of the Reynolds Affair on Alexander Hamilton’s political and personal life? The Reynolds Affair, which occurred in 1791 between Alexander Hamilton and Maria Reynolds with her husband’s knowledge, was revealed to the public in 1797 by Hamilton himself to clear his name of speculation. One source that this investigation will be using and evaluating is referred to as “The Reynolds Pamphlet,” and has its origins as a defensive document written by Alexander Hamilton in 1797. Its purpose was to refute a charge of speculation that James Callender had levelled at Hamilton and thus its contents include descriptions of the affair, proof that Hamilton was innocent of speculation, and declarations of blackmail.

This is conveyed by Washington’s correspondence with Hamilton. Hamilton began his decline when Washington died. Freed of the tempered restraining influence of Washington, Hamilton’s judgment faltered. At this point, the book became almost unbearably sad. Hamilton engaged in a number of political feuds with Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and others that clouded his perspective.

Even though Hamilton wasn’t one of our presidents, he showed great leadership throughout his terms in the secretary of treasury, he practiced law after the wars, and he also showed leadership being one of our Founding Fathers (who were responsible winning our wars against England.) After Hamilton was drafted for the Constitutional Convention by New Year, Hamilton got to attend a meeting in Philadelphia. While Alexander was in Philadelphia he had little to no impact on the convention because he didn’t fully represent New York. Even though Hamilton didn’t represent the Federalist (who strongly opponents to sign the new constitution), Hamilton signed the new constitution as an individual. Then after Hamilton signed the for the new constitution, he got to write “at least two-thirds of the essays” that included some of the most important ones that would explain the powers of each of the branches.

Hamilton came to Burr for advice on college shortly after arriving, and Burr gave him a less than helpful response. The two fought over supremacy and power until Hamilton was killed. Hamilton and Burr had the same goal; to never give up. They both wanted nothing short of the best for themselves, and they were both excessively prideful in their abilities. Although their similarities is the main dividing factor in their affiliation, they also had quite a few differences.

When it comes to Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton the main difference between the two was their political party. The basis of each of their political parties set the boundaries for their beliefs and their views as politicians. Both men were founding fathers of our country, and made a huge impact on history as we know it. Without these men, our country's government might not be what it is today. One of the only similarities of Jefferson and Hamilton was their want to diminish national debt.

Being a good leader does not necessarily mean shining in the spotlight. Some of the most revolutionary and successful leaders are the ones who worked the lights. Self-awareness, self-direction, vision, ability to motivate, and social awareness are the characteristics of a good leader according to SIY Leadership Institute (SIYLI). There have been many accomplished and renowned leaders in America since (and before) the 1770’s, ones whose names are universally known and others who are unfamiliar. Of the latter is Alexander Hamilton, who showed potential since the minute he was put on earth, for no matter what obstacles were thrown in his way he forged ahead and never threw away his shot.

Because of many of his radical views, he gained a lot of opposition in both the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties, and was forced to resign, yet still remained popular, with a greatly valued opinion (Brookhiser). Hamilton then lost his firstborn son (Phillip) in a duel when Phillip challenged George Eacker to uphold his father’s honor. And yet Hamilton refused to remain quiet and openly opposed Aaron Burr in the election of 1800, and worked against Burr again when the Vice President ran for New York governorship. In an attempt to heal his wounded pride, Aaron Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, and the discredited Alexander Hamilton died the day after. (Foner).

“Hamilton’s background would always set him apart and give him an outlook on life and politics the other Founding Fathers did not share”(Gordon,50). Hamilton helped shape Washington’s foreign policy. Hamilton advised Washington on the Neutrality Proclamation, which declared that America would not become entangled in affairs but be friendly with both