The Little Lion: Biography of Alexander Hamilton

When it comes to Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton often takes a backseat to the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. However, his contributions to the early formation of the United States are nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in the Caribbean to his rise as a political and economic genius, Hamilton's story is one of resilience, determination, and ambition.

Born in 1755 on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies, Hamilton experienced a difficult childhood. His father abandoned the family, leaving his mother to raise him and his older brother. Despite the challenges, Hamilton displayed an early aptitude for learning, devouring books and educating himself about the world around him.

Recognizing his potential, local businessmen pooled their funds to send Hamilton to America for formal education. Arriving in New York at the age of 17, he attended King's College (now Columbia University),where he quickly made a name for himself as a brilliant writer and thinker.

The Little Lion: A biography of Alexander Hamilton

by Henry Cabot Lodge(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages
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Hamilton's words and ideas caught the attention of key figures in the American Revolution, and he soon found himself serving as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington. It was during this time that he earned the nickname "The Little Lion" due to his fierce determination and unwavering loyalty.

Hamilton's influence on the Revolutionary War was significant. He played a crucial role in the military strategies that led to pivotal victories, including the Battle of Yorktown. His administrative skills were equally impressive, as he helped shape the structure of the Continental Army and was instrumental in establishing the Bank of North America to finance the war effort.

After the war, Hamilton focused his attention on politics. He became a vocal advocate for a strong central government, eventually playing a crucial role in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. As one of the authors of the influential Federalist Papers, Hamilton expounded on the benefits of a strong government and the importance of a federal judiciary.

Perhaps Hamilton's most enduring legacy lies in his economic policies. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, he implemented groundbreaking financial systems that laid the foundation for America's economic growth. Hamilton's vision included a national bank, a stable currency, and policies to encourage industrialization and trade. His foresight and expertise in economics solidified his reputation as a brilliant statesman.

Despite his accomplishments, Hamilton's life was not without controversy. He engaged in political rivalries and was embroiled in numerous scandals. His fierce temperament and unwavering beliefs often led to heated debates and strained relationships with his peers. Ultimately, his personal and political choices would shape his legacy.

Tragically, Hamilton's life was cut short in 1804 when he was shot in a duel by political rival Aaron Burr. The loss was deeply felt by the nation, as Hamilton's contributions to the young country were immeasurable. He left behind a vast body of written work, including his views on government, finance, and morals, which continue to be studied and debated to this day.

It wasn't until over two centuries later that Hamilton's story gained renewed popularity with the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton." The musical, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, introduced a new generation to the life and accomplishments of Alexander Hamilton. The show's success reignited interest in his legacy and propelled Hamilton back into the national spotlight.

Alexander Hamilton may not have been as revered as some of his contemporaries during his lifetime, but his contributions to American society cannot be overlooked. His intellect, determination, and influence helped shape the nation into what it is today. The Little Lion will forever be remembered as a key figure in the early days of the United States, leaving an indelible mark on the country he helped create.

The Little Lion: A biography of Alexander Hamilton

by Henry Cabot Lodge(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

One can hardly imagine a more lucid description of the basic differences between Hamilton’s Federalist and Jefferson’s anti-Federalist faction than U.S. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge gives in his biography. If you slept through this part of U.S. History in high school and struggle to truly understand the subjects at issue, you would do well to read Lodge’s explanation. No other American has been, historically speaking, so much discussed, so much criticized, and so much written about. All this enhances the difficulty of any fresh study of Hamilton’s life, but at the same time, even the briefest biography would be incomplete without an attempt, at least, to portray him as a man, to analyze the traits of his mind and character, and to define the quality of his greatness. In person Hamilton was well made, of light and active build, but very small, much below the average height. His friends were wont to call him the “little lion,” and it is somewhat remarkable that his stature seems to have interfered so slightly, if at all, with his success as an orator. In a time when American nationality meant nothing, he alone grasped the great conception in all its fullness, and gave all he had of will and intellect to make its realization possible. He alone perceived the destiny which was in store for the republic. To these ends everything he did was directed, and in his task of founding a government he also founded a nation. It was a great work. Others contributed much to it, but Hamilton alone fully understood it.