Alexander Hamilton, original federalist and founding father of the U.S. Constitution, epitomized American wealth. Besides John Adams, Hamilton remains perhaps the most underestimated constitutional founder in American history.
Few people truly understand the unprecedented legacy of this prominent, passionate patriotic hero. Indeed, his conspicuous contributions to American democracy became overshadowed by the equally prodigious Thomas Jefferson. Yet, his direct ideological influence upon the venerable virtues of American constitutionalism sustains unsurpassed significance.
Likewise, Hamilton revolutionized the American economic system in a manner unlike anyone else throughout U.S. history. His pure, unadulterated genius became a preeminent allegorical archetype symbolizing economic nationalism. However, Hamilton never received the due recognition he deserved for these remarkable achievements.
Unfortunately, death culminated prematurely during an infamous duel with Aaron Burr at the pinnacle of his prospective political career. Consequently, barely witnessing the fulfillment of personal success, he died before his maximum potential truly materialized. A consummate crusader of political and economic freedom, Hamilton introduced capitalism to American society. Hence, Hamilton represents the quintessential architect of entrepreneurship in America.
Alexander Hamilton considered charity an indispensable priority. As a preeminent proponent of freedom, Hamilton promoted altruistic initiatives designed to ameliorate conditions for his fellow American brethren, and most particularly targeted destitute, downtrodden classes lacking equal opportunity. He references profound dedication to philanthropic interests through his abundant record of active civic engagement, establishing institutions that foster racial equality.
While slavery encompassed all races, it predominantly constituted Blacks. After all, slavery remained a pervasive problem during Hamilton’s era of political prominence. For example, in 1785, Hamilton collaborated with others under his leadership to consolidate the New York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves (Scanlan, 17).
Hamilton staunchly sought emancipation, and envisioned the inevitable termination of slavery during an era that condoned its virulent institution. Slavery became a polarizing issue that severely divided America during its infancy.
The dehumanizing institution and heinous hypocrisy surrounding slavery seemed unconscionable to Alexander Hamilton, as someone who championed individual liberty, inalienable rights of man, and freedom from personal oppression. Indeed, Hamilton advocated, “the abolition of Negro slavery,” a measure which many Southern plantation owners considered probably “the most daring property invasions ever made,” at that time (Miller, 122).
Therefore, recognizing the barbarous treatment of slaves, perceived as nothing more than mere property, Hamilton sought extensive social reform, specifically, substantial philanthropic initiatives that minimized slavery and provided emancipation. He continued these charitable interests throughout his life.
Most individuals who experience only half the success of Hamilton emerge from relatively wealthy families buttressed preponderantly by pampered financial assistance. Conversely, Hamilton received no such support. Rather, Alexander Hamilton originated from the “humblest beginnings,” of any Founding Father, and yet whose eminence proved, “most startling” in a society still principally unaccustomed to high social mobility standards (Allen, 499).
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