Iconic Influencer: Alexander Hamilton

[nainikakumar]

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander Hamilton was an integral policy maker and visionary to the founding of the United States of America. Hamilton’s legacy has been brought into mainstream dialogues in the past ten years, thanks largely to Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical. The musical documents Hamilton’s triumphs and challenges as he attempts to build a nation from scratch--with much pushback. Ultimately, this Carribean-born immigrant claimed his place in history as America’s architect for financial policy, among other historic accomplishments.

It’s hard to choose Hamilton’s most revolutionary act; he led the life of a Revolutionnaire. Perhaps Hamilton’s most daring act was authoring the Federalist papers, garnering widespread support for the new United States Constitution.

What do you think Hamilton’s most revolutionary act was? Let us know in the comments below!

[NathanW]

Can we not call people who owned slaves iconic please 

[nainikakumar]

Hey @NathanW, thank you for raising your valid concern about Hamilton's complex history with slavery. superego chose to highlight Hamilton for his contributions to founding the United States, and the political struggle he faced as an immigrant. While Hamilton's triumphs remind us of the best of humanity, we must also remember the ugly parts as well. Thank you for reminding us that we must consider all histories of our iconic influencers moving forward.

[eggs]

Hi! While Hamilton quite possibly did own slaves and that should never be respected, he was also very opposed to slavery. There is a cut song from the Hamilton Musical (Cabinet Battle #3) describing this. It is awful that he did own slaves, but he also helped to propel abolitionism before many even considered it favorable.