Alexander Hamilton (AMPU)

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1822) was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation's financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, and The New York Post newspaper. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was the main author of the economic policies of the George Washington administration. He took the lead in the funding of the states' debts by the Federal government, as well as the establishment of 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, with a national bank and support for manufacturing, plus a strong military. Thomas Jefferson was his leading opponent, arguing for agrarianism and smaller government.

Hamilton narrowly won his bid for the Presidency in 1808, and set about reversing many of Jefferson's attempts to dismantle the powers of the Federal government. Hamilton hoped to persuade Britain to grant cease the impressment of American sailors and raids on American settlements in Canada and Ohio from Rupert's Land, but when negotiation failed, he led the nation into the War of 1812; the U.S. victory was quick and decisive in North, but repelling Britain's invasion of the South was a hard-won victory. As part of the peace settlement, Britain turned over to the United States control of Rupert's Land and the Bahamas.