Introduction
History knows a lot of examples, when people born in simple families managed to gain respect and love of the whole nation. Alexander Hamilton was one of such people. This person was rather all-rounded, his inner world and the ability to attract attention helped him to reach the highest levels of the political career, to be a good leader and to remain a good person. Alexander Hamilton is the person, who even after so much time has passed, remains one of the most notable and respected people in the history of American politics.
Before considering the contribution of Alexander Hamilton into the political life of America, the life way of this person should be followed. Focusing the attention on Alexander Hamilton’s life it is possible to understand why and how he, person born from simple people, managed to reach so much in political and economical structure of American government. Being born in the island of Nevis in the West Indies on January 11, 1757, he was killed on the duel by Aaron Burr in 1804. He was born in the family of Scotch merchants, and his father was regarded most by him. The extraordinary precocity of the boy, his curious mind and strong character gave way to his abilities. The main qualities of his character may be taken from the letter, which was written by Alexander Hamilton to his friend Edward Stevens,
I condemn the groveling condition of a clerk, or the like, to which my fortune condemns me, and would willingly risk my life, though not my character, to exalt my station. I am confident, Ned, that my youth excludes me from my hopes of immediate preferment, nor do I desire it; but I mean to prepare the way for futurity (Lodge 2).
Main Text
These words confirm the suggestion that Alexander Hamilton was a very powerful person and that the desire to be the first, the desire to reach something in his life was so strong, that he could make everything (except betraying himself) in order to be able to show all his potential. People who worked with him described his as a person of “lively imagination – a quick almost intuitive perception – profound and comprehensive views, a ready invention of expedients in cases of difficulty, with a solid and correct judgment” (Miller and Aldridge 226)
All these were the desirable dreams, as to become educated at Alexander Hamilton’s time could only wealthy or few fortunate people (Haugen 9). Alexander was none of them. But all these limitations in Alexander Hamilton’s life were not the borders for him in reaching his aim, he sill managed to become a powerful leader of the country thanks to his inborn talent. Hamilton was also a very clever and hard working person and people were found to help him. His desire to be successful gave him the opportunity to receive a good education, which opened him the way to the top.
When the revolutionary was began (1975), Hamilton was studying at the college, but he understood that the desire for freedom is higher than the degree and left college in favor of war. Hamilton did not afraid to show his leadership talent and he was put as the captain of the Continental Army, he was 21. This revolution was the first time, when Hamilton could show his talent, and he was noticed, for his ambitious character and the desire to be useful. All these actions were not just the desire to show his bravery, but to leave the impression of wise and courageous leader. During the war Hamilton was noticed by General Washington, who noticed his “quick thinking and bravery under the fire” (Haugen 33). The result – Hamilton was hired by him.
Alexander Hamilton showed himself greatly in the war, both as the leader and as a soldier, and this was his first step to the political top of the country. He took part in the political and economical life of the country, and no matter what part of the government he supported, the tendency was that the part became to be dominant and their views were taken into account.
The great leadership qualities of Hamilton were seen during the debates about Federalists or Anti-Federalist state (1788). Hamilton used his oratory abilities and all his leadership qualities in order to convince Anti-Federalists in the importance of Constitution. Such events in Hamilton’s life show that all he managed to achieve was his great desire, hard work and the confidence in his successful future (Haugen 60). The case with the Constitution adoption is one of the most significant in the life of Hamilton, as only by his great power of conviction and the true belief in what he did made it possible for him to make sure the whole New York in the necessity of constitution and to leave their opinion about Anti-Federalism and to join his considerations.
Focusing on the abilities of Alexander Hamilton as the political leader, it can be concluded that he behaved himself as the leader of the army, he made quick and reasonable decisions, his reaction to the situation was quick, and actions he provided wise and right. Having been acting among the other leaders, it can be proved that he was the leader among them all. His abilities in organizing people and in the conviction to act as it was necessary for him and for the direction of the politics, which he had chosen deserved a respect. It was impossible to argue with him as (Miller and Aldridge 227) as the arguments which were offered by him, his behavior, intonation, with which he imposed his opinion, was so convicting and reliable. “If the American people did not already know it, they were soon to be made acutely aware of the fact that Hamilton’s credo was audacity and yet more audacity” (Miller and Aldridge 227).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alexander Hamilton was the leader of his epoch, his inborn qualities and the desire to provide the actions which he considered only reliable and trusted made it possible for him to become the person number one in the society he lived in. having come from the simple family without any links to the government, Alexander Hamilton managed to create his own career, to reach the heights, which seemed unreachable by him for the surrounding people. From the very beginning of his life, Alexander Hamilton knew that he will be a successful and respected person not only in the city he lived, but also in the whole society, and it is impossible to deny that he managed to reach his aim. The achievements he managed to succeed in just prove that he was the leader of the leaders and there are not so many people who can be placed on the same level with him.
Works Cited
Haugen, Brenda. Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father and Statesman. Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2006.
Lodge, Henry Cabot. Alexander Hamilton. London: Adamant Media Corporation, 2005.
Miller, John Chester A. and Aldridge, Owen. Alexander Hamilton and the growth of the new nation. London: Transaction Publishers, 2003