Alexander Hamilton Influence

Alexander Hamilton: The Other Side of the Revolution Often when one thinks of the American Revolution or the American Enlightenment, the philosophies and contributions of men like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are taken into consideration. Indeed they were great thinkers and very pivotal figures in our country's liberation from Great Britain, however more people played a role in accomplishing this great task. America's founding fathers consisted of several of men, all of whom contributed unique and innovative ideas that would eventually helped to shape our country. Heavily influenced by men such as Locke, Rousseau, and Paine, a great deal of the ideas and political plans which emerged during the 18th century were focused solely
around becoming an independent and self sufficient land, breaking all ruling ties with the British monarchy, and the healthy promotion of democracy and Christianity. Much like the revolution in France that would soon follow, America's fight was for a change in not only government but in culture as well. One man who seems to frequently get over looked as far as the part he played in re-shaping American politics and culture is Alexander Hamilton. Misunderstood and most noted for his opinionated personality, Hamilton was in fact a true nationalist and in many cases a martyr for the principles this country was built upon; Pride, Freedom and Democracy. His ideas transcended far beyond the period in which he lived, leaving lasting effects on generations that would follow. The establishment of the American government's first central bank and the Federalist political party are all undertakings in which Hamilton played a leading role in composing. He also made efforts to impact our countries culture. However, in order to gain a full understanding of Hamilton's views and his importance during the American Revolution, you must first examine his values and those who influenced him in his early life.
According to Brookhiser, Hamilton came from "nowhere" in comparison to a lot of his political peers (p.3). Born and raised in the sugar Island of the West Indies, the city of St. Croix consisted of three kinds of people: rich whites, poor whites and slaves. There were few middle class inhabitants; either you were rich or very poor. This aspect of Hamilton's society greatly influenced the way he viewed the establishment of a social class system and would eventually contribute to his appeal to the "common people" during his professional career (McDonald, p.11). Sugar farming was labor intensive and as a result, slaves outnumbered their white masters by twenty to one. Families were made up of a mix of nationalities, mainly those who had settled without regard to the islands' formal owners. The people of Croix seemed to hold at high regards ones ancestry and lineage, a concern that Hamilton held loosely due to what he referred to as a birth which was "not free from blemish" (Larson, p.15). He grew up the son of a "whore" mother, as she was called in a divorce document by her first husband and a "Bum" father (Brookhiser, p.15). Such references make it hard to believe that any child of good character could be produced from this union; however Hamilton did adopt some traits that would serve to be very beneficial in his adult years. His relationship with his mother played an essential role in his public career. As he described her, she was a woman of "superior intellect", "elevated with generous sentiments" and "unusual elegance of person and manner", much different from the appalling indication previously made of her. Hamilton was also known to be very intelligent, one who liked to help others and a person of good etiquette. However the greatest influence that his mother had on him came in the study of finance. She was a very good business woman. As a child, Hamilton worked as a clerk in her provision store where he gained an understanding of both marketing and money management. According to Hamilton when she died, the accounts of her store were in order and she had only a few short-term debts. Regardless of her reputation and how she was viewed by others, her influence is definitely seen in a great deal of Hamilton's accomplishments; the same in regards to his father. (Henderickson, p. 10)
Although he is rarely mentioned in the works of Hamilton, due to the lack of communication between the two, the effect that James Hamilton had on his son Alexander is worth acknowledgment. According to some of Hamilton's writings and the findings of some historians, they both shared the trait of pride. In a few of his letters Hamilton does discuss his father and the proud nature he possessed. He believed that it was this emotion that had the biggest affect on their relationship as father and son, resulting in little to no contact between the two for much of Hamilton's life. After his father's death in 1799, he wrote that he [father] had "too much pride and too large a portion of indolence…but his character was otherwise beyond reproach". James Hamilton was both an arrogant and lazy man, however even after seeing his father's outcome; Alexander Hamilton still could not resist being influenced. (McDonald, Page 16).
Referring back to Hendrickson, Hamilton's pride did not cause him to be viewed as negatively as his father. The emotions he expressed sprang from his need to do well in all his deeds. This was evident in various aspects of his life; ranging from politics, law, family and his feelings regarding his country. But because the results of pride generally act as both a gift and a curse, as previously stated, his legacy as one of our country's most sincere supporters and contributors is overshadowed by what is viewed as an overconfident attitude by many of his peers. It was also his pride as both a man of principle and a man who had served in war, that wouldn't allow him to back down from a duel challenged by his long time political rival Aaron Burr; ultimately resulting in his death. In comparison to Shakespearian literature, the nature he adopted from his father could be viewed as Hamilton's tragic flaw. (Hendrickson, p.15) However, James Hamilton was not the only male that had a defining effect on his son, Hamilton recognizes two other men that greatly influenced him during his primitive years; one was the Scotch-Irish Presbyterian minister named Hugh Knox and the other was his employer from St.
Croix, Nicholas Cruger. Each of these men contributed something uniquely to Hamilton, that as a young man he could not receive from his family. Knox, according to Brookheiser, is credited by Hamilton as introducing him to "two new worlds….learning and North America". Knox was interested in education and had plans to teach to local slaves. He himself had been educated at the College of New Jersey in Princeton, which was at that time the finest school in the Thirteen Colonies. Hamilton would follow in Knox's lead, taking a stern interest in education and rapidly excelling at some of the finest institutions. Eventually, his enthusiasm for knowledge would gain him esteem as one of the greatest intellects of the 18th century. (Brookhiser, p.
18)
Nicholas Cruger's affect on Hamilton came mainly thru his connection to the mainland. As a profitable sugar and slave-trader, Cruger's hometown of St. Croix became a pivot for the Virgin Island's dealings with North America and the world. As previously stated, Hamilton spent much of his teen years as an apprentice and employer of Cruger. His personal experiences and the relationships he had established with prominent figures in both the diplomatic and business world would become the catalyst that would propel Alexander in that direction. (Brookhiser, p.19)
According to Hamilton, he had learned two major skills under Cruger, which would remain with him throughout his adult life, "method" and "facility". He began making confident judgments on the performances of many of his superiors and subordinates at only fifteen years old. Recognizing the potential Hamilton possessed, both Cruger and Knox in a joint project decided to put the young Hamilton on a ship to the mainland during the Revolution period with the likes of other foreigners such as the great revolutionist Thomas Paine and French Statesmen Marquis De Lafayette. With a much different outlook than many of the men traveling with him, his trajectory to come from the fringes of St. Croix to the center of American culture, would serve to be the foundation and motivation for much achievement throughout his career. (Brookhiser, p.20)
By early adulthood, Hamilton's character consisted of concrete morals and a sound view on many issues that were prevalent to the general public. As stated before, his appeal to the common man would play a key part in propelling him to public notoriety. However what separated him from other thinkers and political figures of his generation was his ability to communicate effectively through writing. Throughout his life he would inscribe many letters to friends and colleagues, government papers, legal documents, and articles addressing cultural reform. A large portion of Hamilton's personality and principles are expressed through his writings. One characteristic which is clearly visible is Dedication. In The Federalist no.17, he writes:
"It is a known fact in human nature that its affections are commonly weak in proportion to the distance or diffusiveness of the object. Upon the same principle that a man is more attached to his family than to his neighborhood, to his neighborhood than to the community at large, the people of each state would be apt to feel a stronger bias towards their local governments than towards the" government of the Union; unless the force of that principle should be destroyed by a much better administration of the latter." (Hamilton, Writings)
Based on this excerpt it is evident that Hamilton is a man of commitment and is devoted to the causes he aligns himself with. His commitment to the issues and people he supports is only strengthened as he becomes more involved with them (i.e. America, The Federalist Party, Political figures, Family, etc) much like the revolution. Hamilton sought to promote loyalty to the American cause in majority of his written works and activities. It was his nationalist mentality that gained him favor and respect from many people, even those who weren't supporters of the Hamiltonian agenda. Another attribute of Hamilton's that is evident in his writings is his spirit of optimism or positive hope in the face of adversity. This particular view on life was particularly fitting for America during the later years of the 18th century. In a letter to Elizabeth Schuyler, his fiancée at the time, he makes mention about keeping an optimistic outlook at such a trying time stating, "It is a maxim of my life to enjoy the present good with the highest relish and to soften the present evil by a hope of future good" (Hamilton, Citizen). With the country at war with the British for independence, for some troops hope was all they had to cling to. When battles and situations began to look dismal on the part of America, the uplifting words of Hamilton helped to add some much needed encouragement to both politicians and soldiers. Aside from dedication and optimism, the subject which is the most detectable in Hamilton's writings and has had the greatest impact on the public is patriotism. As a brief member in the continental army, the writings in which he speaks on nationalism often came from his experiences in war. He served under General George Washington as lieutenant colonel and led a regiment of New York troops at the Battle of Yorktown. The same pride that he exhibited during his military career is found in every aspect of his writing. Whether calling for a separation from the British or a reform in American government, Hamilton's actions was always motivated by zeal, sacrifice and loyalty to his country. In an article written for the Gazette of the United States, Hamilton refers to patriotism as a marriage or union which should be both honorable and scared. He writes,
"A dispassionate and virtuous citizen of the United States will scorn to stand on any but Purely American ground. It will be his study to render his feelings and affections neutral and impartial towards all foreign nations. His prayer will be for peace and that his country may be as much possible kept out of the destructive vortex for foreign politics. To speak figuratively, he will regard his own country as a wife to whom his is bound to be exclusively faithful and affectionate, and he will watch with a jealous attention every propensity of his heart to wander towards a foreign country, which he will regard as a mistress that may pervert his fidelity and mar his happiness." (Hamilton, Writings)
This article became a landmark piece of literature during the revolution, for it embodied a major concept and philosophy felt by majority of the country. The American press towards liberty would have been a mere notion had it not been for the courageous and patriotic words of men like Hamilton. By publicly conveying his concept of patriotism, the masses cold therefore unite under one common factor and strengthen our nation. The evidence of good morals and national pride in Hamilton's literal works during the 18th century served as an important means of empowerment and information for the American societal body. It presented the country with reinforced and revised philosophies which were essential to the revolutionary cause and also placed him among the likeness of other key figures in history. Yet even after independence was gained in the war and the country established a primary form of government, Hamilton's efforts for improvement continued.
As a New York delegate and a well known legal expert, Hamilton worked vigorously for many years to improve the countries justice system. To prepare for the New York Bar exam, he wrote a practice manual that was widely copied and later served as the basis for a published guide. In 1782 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress, becoming the leading proponent of a stronger national government than that provided by the Articles of Confederation. As an aid to Washington he had observed the debilitating effects of an uncontrollable sovereignty in each state and called repeatedly for a strengthened congress and more efficient executive departments. He advocated a national government that would virtually abolish the states and call for a president-for-life to provide energetic leadership. With the establishment of the new constitution emerged one of Hamilton's most remembered works, The Federalist papers. (McDonald, p.126)
Although he signed the new Constitution subsequently drafted by his colleagues and preferred it over the Articles, Hamilton felt it was not as strong as it could have been. At heart he was an Aristocrat. Well before his 30th birthday he had achieved high social standing, He favored rule by the elite and rich and a stronger central government than his fellow delegates, an idea that garnered him much controversy and little agreement. However in an effort to promote support and understanding for this pact, he joined fellow delegates James Madison and John Jay and produced a series of essay that closely examined and interpreted it. Hamilton wrote 52 of the 85 works published in The Federalist, which are considered by many to be the greatest commentary ever written on the constitution. These papers also acted as an urgent call for the people of New York to ratify the new constitution. In The Federalist No.1 he writes,
"After an unequivocal experience of the inefficiency of the subsisting Federal Government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the UNION, the safety and welfare of the parts of which it s composed, the fate of an empire, in many respects, the most interesting the world……. If there be any truth in the remark, the crisis, at which we are arrived, may with propriety be regarded as the area in which that decision is to be made; and a wrong election of the part we shall act, may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind. (Hamilton, Writings)
Hamilton's brilliant essays on ratification, the need for a stronger union, the utility of a nation taxing power, and the importance of the executive and judicial branches of the federal government became classic statements of his political philosophy of strong leadership in public interest. This resulted in the ratification of the Constitution in the New York ratifying convention in July of 1788, Hamilton and his allies defeated the previously dominant anti-federal forces in the state. (Hickey & Clark, p. 4) As a direct result of the publishing of The Federalist papers and its effect on society, magazines and newspapers began referring to Hamilton and his collaborators as "Federalist", hence came the formation of the Federalist political party in 1793. The Federalists were nationalists who wanted a financially and militarily strong nation state, and showed little interest in states' rights. The new party advocated a loose construction of the United States Constitution based on the "Elastic Clause", which stated that congress had the power to make all laws that were necessary and proper. Once again, it believed in rule by well-educated elite, and thus appealed to merchants, bankers, lawyers, editors, landowners, and industrialists. With its most powerful leader being Hamilton and its hero George Washington, the party built a network of newspapers and had substantial support from religious leaders, especially in New England. Although President Washington never official joined The Federalist he was indeed a great supporter of most of their programs and the Hamiltonian plan, which is why he appointed Hamilton to become the first United States Secretary of Treasury. (McDonald, p.174-75) This is considered to be Hamilton's greatest contribution to American history. With the nations' finances in a deplorable state, this was widely considered to be the most important position in the presidential cabinet. There was no better person equipped for this position than Hamilton. While in office he proved himself to be a brilliant administrator both in organizing the Treasury Department and assisting generally to staff and set guidelines for all the departments of government. As a model for modern finance he looked to men like Jacques Necker, whose high opinion of the British government he had quoted at the Constitutional Convention. Necker was a Swiss Banker who had been called upon to reform the chaotic finances in France by cutting wasteful royal spending and by simplifying and strengthening its tax system. As important as his policies, much like Hamilton was Necker's rhetoric. He wrote about finance in an inspiring and even heroic way. Hamilton also referred to Britain's lords of the Treasury and the Bank of England. In the proceeding century, the British financial institution had performed wonders. Over that time, tax revenues were at an all time high, and so was their national debt. Thirty to Forty percent of government spending had to be covered by loans, and military spending alone consumed nine to fourteen percent of the national income. Yet during this period, Britain had become an empire with outposts on three continents and the power to subsidize entire European Armies. Britain's dept represented strength rather than bankruptcy, because of the care and skill with which it was financed. (Brookhiser, p.80) Hamilton recognized the successful results of each and sought to adopt unique elements that could be applied to America's financial situation, and compose his own financial plan. In a series of lengthy reports presented, He called for an overhauling in the nations finances. He insisted that the new government assume responsibility not only for the debts that it had incurred during the American Revolution but also for those run up by the states. With a face value of $74 million, Hamilton argued that it must be paid at full, 100 cents on the dollar. To repudiate any portion of this debt would undermine the credit worthiness of the government and make it difficult to borrow money in future crises. He also called for a system of excise taxes to go along with the external taxes on shipping and trade that congress adopted before he took office. Hamilton favored internal taxes both to provide an alternative source of revenue to the taxes on trade and to distribute a portion of the nation's tax burden to the interior, where few imported goods were consumed. (Brookhiser, p.-81)
However, his greatest achievement as Secretary of Treasury came when he called the creation of a national bank. Such an institution, he argued, was necessary to provide the government with a safe depository for its funds and a convenient source for short-term loans. In addition, the notes issued by the national bank were expected to serve as a kind of national currency, but this plan wasn't accepted by everyone. The emerging Republican party under Thomas Jefferson challenged the constitutionality of the bank. Hamilton's response to these allegations was a compelling 15,000 word response that upheld the banks constitutionality by developing the doctrine of implied powers. Congress enacted most of Hamilton's financial proposals into law and the result was a stunning turn around in the nation's finances. (Brookhiser, p. 82-84) Almost single-handedly, Alexander Hamilton had created the nation's budget, tax, debt, and national banking system that has been at the heart of American public finance ever since and that is still the envy of the world.
For this he is widely regarded as the greatest secretary of the treasury in the history of the republic and perhaps the greatest financer who ever lived; however the issue of Hamilton's legacy and contributions not being portrayed in the same greatness as a Jefferson or Franklin, still remains. Rather than being a part of the on Mt. Rushmore monument, he is awarded with his face on the $10 bill. Hamilton had a vision that looked to the future. He was more interested in building a great nation than in conserving any remnants of the past. Not only did play a central role in shaping the new nation, he left a larger body of written material than any other founder. His life was a mirror for politics as well as morality, for public as well as private life. His political policies appealed to citizens and what they needed in order to fulfill themselves and he should be remembered as one who devoted his life to the America's growth in freedom and
prosperity.

Work Sited
Primary Source

Alexander Hamilton: Writings, New York: Library of America: Distributed to the trade in the U.S. by Penguin Putnam, 2001.

Citizen Hamilton: The Wit and Wisdom of an American Founder, Edited by Hickey & Clark, Published by Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield: Distributed by National Book Network, c2006.

Secondary Sources

Alexander Hamilton: American; Brookhiser, Richard. New York, NY : Free Press, c1999.

The Rise and Fall of Alexander Hamilton; Hendrickson, Robert (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1981)

Alexander Hamilton: A Biography;McDonald, Forrest (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1979)

Alexander Hamilton: The Fact and Fiction of His Early Years; Larson, Harold. William and Mary Quarterly 9 (April,1952)