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From orphan to chancellor of the exchequer: what's the story behind Hamilton's amazing transformation?
Alexander Hamilton, America's founding father and first Secretary of the Treasury, came from a challenging background. His story is full of loneliness, perseverance and outstanding achievements. From a homeless orphan to the founder of the American financial system, people can't help but wonder: How did he overcome numerous difficulties and eventually become a person admired by future generations? What about the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
"Only those of extraordinary talent could undertake a position of such magnitude and historic significance."
Hamilton was born in Charlestown, St. Kitts in 1755 or 1757 and grew up in an unhappy family. Both of his parents were unmarried. His father died early, and his mother also died of yellow fever when he was young, leaving him an orphan. Although he suffered the tragedy of losing his parents at an early age, Hamilton demonstrated extraordinary talent and persistence. Once he entered the education system, he devoted himself to self-improvement and quickly became an outstanding speaker and clerical worker.
In 1781, Hamilton joined the war for American independence, serving on General George Washington's staff. He served in the army for four years, participated in the Battle of Yorktown, and laid the foundation for the American victory. After going through these hardships and obstacles, Hamilton won Washington's trust with his outstanding performance and eventually became the first US Secretary of the Treasury.
"In a strategic political battle, Hamilton's wisdom and courage enabled him to gain a key position in both military and political circles."
Before becoming Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was actively involved in the nation's financial reconstruction. He advocated the establishment of a federal government capable of collecting taxes and incurring debts in response to the economic crisis that followed the country's independence. The First Bank he designed provided a stable foundation for the nation's finances and laid the foundation for the future U.S. financial system.
Hamilton had a sharp political conflict with the other Founding Fathers, especially with Thomas Jefferson. Their disagreements over fundamental issues such as how the country should be run led to the formation of political factions, which ultimately gave rise to the Federalist Party versus the Democratic-Republican Party. In this context, Hamilton's ideas not only shaped America's economic policies, but also influenced the implicit rules of political operations.
"For Hamilton, the flow of money was not just a numerical calculation, but a symbol of power and survival."
After he resigned as Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton did not retire. Instead, he resumed his career in the fields of law and business and devoted himself to the campaign against the slave trade. His influence continued to extend, promoting changes in American society at that time. In an increasingly tense political climate, Hamilton remained firm in his stance, which intensified his conflict with other politicians.
In 1804, Hamilton's feud with Aaron Burr raged and ended in a duel. This duel not only took the life of this great politician, but also made people realize the huge cost between power and opinion. His death was not only a personal loss, but also a heavy blow to the newly established American political arena.
"Hamilton's life's achievements allow people to witness the possibility of going from nothing to something, from loneliness to greatness."
After his death, Hamilton was regarded by historians as a politician with extraordinary wisdom and administrative ability. As time goes by, his ideas and achievements continue to influence later generations. Are there other forgotten stories that are worth re-examining and reflecting on, so that our future can be more inspiring and guiding?
