Alexander Hamilton in a few words: Amazing rags-to-riches story, from West Indies born orphan boy, to aide George Washington, a lawyer, and perhaps the greatest Federalist of all. Weird ideas about the Constitution, a generally negative opinion of the abilities of the common man, but undoubtedly correct about the need for a strong federal government, banking system, standing army.
Like many great men, Hamilton also had great weaknesses. A crazy affair with a married woman, an affair he continued even after she blackmailed him. A tendency towards backstabbing to get his way. As Oliver Wolcott said: “…on certain points, the most enlightened men are governed by the most unsound reasons.”
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