Alexander Hamilton: His Role in American History and His Relevance in the 21st Century

The Role of Alexander Hamilton in American History

Background

Of all the original Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton best exemplifies the American Dream of social mobility.  Born some time between 1755 and 1757 in Charlestown in the Caribbean Islands, he was born out of wedlock. Abandoned by his father when he was nine, he was only 11 years old when his mother, Rachel Lavien, succombed to a severe fever. Because he and his brother were both illegitimate, they were unable to inherit their mother's estate, which was ultimately claimed by her legal husband.

Alexander's natural abilities attracted the attention of a local businessman and a wealthy Presbyterian Minister, who collaborated to send him to North America to be formally educated. Barely 20 years old, he arrived in the Colonies just as the American Revolution was about to break out. Despite his youth, he had already developed strong political opinions. He opted out of his intended place at Princeton, a center of republicanism, enrolling instead at what is now known as New York's Columbia University. 

Alexander Hamilton's Role in American History

Alexander Hamilton is regarded as one of the seven key Founding Fathers of the United States of America. These are men who participated in the American Revolutionary War, who were involved in drafting the United States Constitution, who co-authored the Declaration of Independence or some other contribution. Hamilton ticks all boxes.

In addition to serving in the war and being a signatory to both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, serving under the first President of the United States, George Washington.

Alexander Hamilton's Relevance in the 21st Century

The short answer to this question is a resounding, 'Yes', on so many levels.

• As an author of the US Constitution, to say that Alexander Hamilton is no longer relevant is to say that the Constitution itself has become irrelevant.
• His views on public debt are echoed by the current Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Paulson. Hamilton believed that the government should play a role in stabilizing the economy.
• He embodies the realization of the American Dream.
• Although some of the vocabulary choices he made in his writing of the time may no longer be in fashion, his clarity and smooth, logical flow are worth emulating today, when many people seem to have thrown out the rule book when it comes to English grammar. Indeed, many accomplished authors would do well to study the prose of Alexander Hamilton. As English continues to evolve as the language of nationalization, learners would do well to emulate his style.