StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser - Book Report/Review Example

Cite this document
Summary
As one of the key political figures serving at the frontlines during the struggle for America’s independence, Alexander Hamilton lays forgotten within the country’s historical pages. Brookhiser’s book “Alexander Hamilton: American” pays homage to the forgotten war hero…
Download free paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.8% of users find it useful
Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser"

Alexander Hamilton: American As one of the key political figures serving at the frontlines during the struggle for America’s independence, Alexander Hamilton lays forgotten within the country’s historical pages. Brookhiser’s book “Alexander Hamilton: American” pays homage to the forgotten war hero who was once referred to as a ‘disease to democracy’. Brookhiser paints a new picture for the founder of America by taking an extra step towards crediting Hamilton for his embodiment of the American Dream and American expetionalism.

Abandoning his origin in the West Indies, Hamilton wholly accepts ‘Americanism’ and becomes a forerunner in the American Revolution as an American Nationalist. In joining the American Revolution, he becomes a close aide of George Washington as an efficient army administrator. Brookhiser’s story unfolds in a chronological order beginning at Hamilton’s humble roots in the West Indies. The author proceeds to his immigration to the United States where through close ties he enrolled at King’s College (Columbus University) and pursued his studies.

Hamilton later joined the American Army in the fight against the British and became a close ally of America’s founding father George Washington. As a member of George Washington’s cabinet, Hamilton played a role in establishing the Constitution and the US financial system (Brookhiser, 2004).The book’s main theme centers on Hamilton’s earlier life in the West Indies, which predisposed his outlook on matters later in life. His upbringing proves pivotal in understanding Hamilton’s character.

Hamilton’s attraction towards women mirrors his strong, emotional bond with his mother. Hamilton sympathized with his mother, Rachel Faucett, who faced social ostracization and imprisonment for refusing to live with her husband. However, Faucett’s previous husband was not Hamilton’s father. She later met and had two children with James Hamilton who soon abandoned the entire family. It is for this reason that Hamilton embraced family life whereby, he did not want to expose his children to the negative consequences of living without a father (Brookhiser, 2004).

Hamilton through writing of pamphlets titled ‘A Friend of America’ portrays his position as an outsider. However, he has a strong sense of personal loyalty to his new country and proves his commitment consistently. He ambitiously contributes to the American dream and is the ideal image of public service to the American Republic. Brookhiser, however, does not omit Hamilton’s imperfections. Hamilton’s mistakes come from his tendency to overestimate the potential in others. Early in life, he thought that everyone burst with enthusiasm, and were as industrious as he was.

Hamilton misjudged the character of many repeatedly. Case in point, Hamilton misjudged the wife to Major John Andre who committed treason with her husband, and Maria Reynolds who blackmailed him after having an affair with him. He publicly admitted his affair with Reynolds (Brookhiser, 2004). In my own opinion, Brookhiser portrays Hamilton as an unaccredited founding father who belongs at the same level as George Washington. In addition, the author infers that Hamilton deserves recognition for his selflessness in fighting for American Independence and public service.

Although others ridicule him for being vermin, his weaknesses come out as strengths. Moreover, Hamilton is an ideal example of what public servants ought to be. In summary, Brookhiser brings out the qualities of Alexander Hamilton that make him such a successful individual through events that happened prior to his moving to the United States. Being born in an economically challenged family predisposed him to succeed and was the source of his selflessness. His selflessness garners the American Dream for all Americans through his contribution to the American Constitution and refining of the financial systems.

Alexander Hamilton: American is a success in the description of the life of Hamilton. As much as it is a cliché of rise to rags to riches, the life of an immigrant morphed into that of a founding father whose service to the public earned him the right to have his face on the American $10 bill. ReferenceBrookhiser, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton, American. New York: Paperback Publishers.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser Book Report/Review”, n.d.)
Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser Book Report/Review. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/literature/1646614-alexander-hamilton-american-by-brookhiser
(Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser Book Report/Review)
Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser Book Report/Review. https://studentshare.org/literature/1646614-alexander-hamilton-american-by-brookhiser.
“Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser Book Report/Review”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/literature/1646614-alexander-hamilton-american-by-brookhiser.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser

Alexander Hamiltons The Federalist, No. 15

Making the argument in favor of the constitution and what it meant, would be alexander hamilton.... The impact of alexander hamilton's work would be the ability to clearly define the core issue at the center of document itself.... With regard to the founding fathers view of the current state of the american political system, they would see a system that would have a specific organization to it, would still fall sort of an absolute solid outline....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Alexander Hamilton vs Aaron Burr

alexander hamilton was the former Secretary of the Treasury and Aaron Burr was the sitting Vice President when this dual occurred.... It is believed that alexander hamilton played a major role in defeating Aaron Burr (Election of 1800 Was Significant and Controversial) In 1804, even though Aaron Burr ran for governor of New York State, he lost the election, due to vicious attacks levelled against him by Hamilton The conflict between these two prominent figures continued at the beginning of the 19 th century also and finally Burr issued a challenge....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

History Discussion

It also looks at how alexander hamilton's policies wanted to use the wealthy, manufacturers and the US National Bank to turn around the economy that was affected by a series of civil revolutions; as well as why his proposals were criticized.... It is then that President Washington tasked alexander hamilton with the duty of stabilizing the United States economy.... alexander hamilton was to come up with fiscal policies that would revive the economy of the federal government....
2 Pages (500 words) Research Paper

Comparison and Contrast between the American and the French Revolution

In contrast with this, the authority of the then French government trickled down from the court and at the juncture when the French revolutionaries rose to power was driven by their speculations, and in this case the statement of alexander hamilton can be mentioned: I dread the reveries of your Philosophic politicians (qtd.... in brookhiser).... In this respect the statement of Governor Morris can be mentioned: “will act as an outward conscience, and prevent the abuse of power” (brookhiser)....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Hamilton summary

In addition, the possession of the country's territories and vital posts by foreigners, and the inability of the country to repel Hamilton Summary Union is very important for the safety and happiness of the american peoples.... Therefore, the councils and maxims that hinder the adoption of the proposed constitution are the main obstacles towards the achievement of american union (Hamilton, 299).... It serves as the sacred bond that ties the people of America together (hamilton, 295)....
1 Pages (250 words) Term Paper

Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton

alexander hamilton was appointed the Secretary of the Treasury in 1789 and he initiated the creation of the first American bank to manage issues surrounding credit money.... Thus, Hamilton created a system that Secretary of the Treasury alexander hamilton alexander hamilton was appointed the Secretary of the Treasury in 1789and he initiated the creation of the first American bank to manage issues surrounding credit money.... Federal student loan and credit card debt account for $914 billion and $672 billion of the 2012 american household debt compared to $750 billion for auto loans (Department of Treasury and Education 30)....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

A Comparison of Hamiltons and Madisons Account of Republicanism and the Design of American Government

"A Comparison of Hamilton's and Madison's Account of Republicanism and the Design of American Government" paper discusses the issues that brought disagreements in the views of James Madison and alexander hamilton regarding republicanism and the design of the American government in terms of power.... The contradictory ideas by the two individuals led to the development of first american parties and it is still appreciated to this date.... nbsp;… hamilton argued for the independence of the political heavyweights and submissiveness of the general public....
9 Pages (2250 words) Coursework

Alexander Hamiltons Vision for the US was Superior to that of Thomas Jeffersons

… The paper "alexander hamilton's Vision for the US was Superior to that of Thomas Jefferson's" is a wonderful example of a history essay.... The principal founding fathers of the US were alexander hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.... nbsp; The paper "alexander hamilton's Vision for the US was Superior to that of Thomas Jefferson's" is a wonderful example of a history essay.... he principal founding fathers of the US were alexander hamilton and Thomas Jefferson....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us