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A leading voice of the American founding, this Caribbean-born statesman helped shape the young United States with fierce arguments for strong national government and a modern financial system.

by Alexander Hamilton Institute (U.S.)
Born in the Caribbean in either 1755 or 1757, Alexander Hamilton rose from difficult beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in early American history. He served in the Revolutionary War, became a close aide to George Washington, and later helped build the political and financial foundations of the new nation.
Hamilton was a major contributor to The Federalist Papers and served as the first U.S. secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795. In that role, he pushed for a strong central government, federal assumption of state debts, and institutions such as a national bank, ideas that left a lasting mark on the country.
His life ended dramatically after his 1804 duel with Aaron Burr, but his reputation has only grown with time. Remembered as a sharp writer, bold thinker, and restless nation-builder, he remains one of the most debated and compelling figures of the founding era.