Alexander Hamilton

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Alexander Hamilton (1755 or 1757–1804) was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, economist, and Founding Father of the United States. He was an influential interpreter and promoter of the US Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation’s financial system, the Federalist Party, the US Coast Guard, and the New York Post newspaper. As the first secretary of the treasury, Hamilton was the primary author of the economic policies of George Washington’s administration. He took the lead in the federal government’s funding of the states’ debts, as well as establishing a national bank, a system of tariffs, and friendly trade relations with Britain. His vision included a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch, a strong commercial economy, a national bank and support for manufacturing, and a strong military. Thomas Jefferson was Hamilton’s leading opponent, arguing for agrarianism and smaller government.