Introduction:
Alexander Hamilton

Imagine what it was like in the 1780s and 1790s when the United States was a young nation. Although the states had joined together to form a national union, many people put more trust in their state government. They were wary of giving power to a central government, even if it was American. The memory of Britain's abusive power was still too strong. So how did our federal system come to be?

The purpose of this activity is to explore the key role that Alexander Hamilton played in shaping the federal government of the United States.

Next: Who Was Alexander Hamilton? Watch This!

Alexander Hamilton was an outsider. Unlike most of the nation's Founders, he was not born in America, had no ties to any particular state, and did not come from a background of wealth and privilege.

As you watch this video, think about what Hamilton learned from his early struggles. Write down your ideas about what kinds of skills and lessons you think he learned, and how they may have helped him take on new responsibilities as an adult.

Note: You will hear the following words in the video segment. Click on each word to see its definition.

• calamities
• currencies
• estate
• prodigy

Write your text in the box below, then click "save notes" before moving on to the next page.

Next: Hamilton's Big Ideas

Alexander Hamilton accomplished many things after he arrived in America. As you read about a few of these, think about how his early experiences may have led to these professional achievements.

• While attending college in New York, Hamilton requested permission to form an artillery company with fellow students. They wanted to be ready to respond to a possible British assault on New York. This unit eventually fought in the Revolutionary War.
• George Washington recognized Hamilton's intelligence and talent early on in the Revolutionary War, and brought him into his small circle of staff. Hamilton was actually the author of some of Washington's best writing and correspondence.
• One of Hamilton's greatest accomplishments as the nation's first Treasury secretary was to create a national bank. This bank could loan the government money, keep the nation's deposits safe, and promote business by providing credit. It also created a national currency, making trade easier across states since everyone now used the same money.

Next: Read About It!

Think about what you have watched and learned about Alexander Hamilton. In this activity, you will learn more about Hamilton's role in the establishment of the U.S. federal government.

The following words will appear in the reading. Click on each word to see its definition.

• currency
• ratify

Click "View" on the left to begin the activity. Be sure to print your notes before you exit the activity. Your notes will not be saved.

If you want, you can also watch the video again.

Alexander Hamilton: Early Influences

QuickTime Video
Length: 2m 57s

Next: Write About It!

You have now explored some of Alexander Hamilton's professional achievements. Next you will have the chance to share your ideas with others.

• Print out your notes. (After you print, your notes will be erased. Make sure you are done before printing.)
  
  
• Print out and read How Alexander Hamilton Influenced a Nation (Version A) (PDF) or How Alexander Hamilton Influenced a Nation (Version B) (PDF). Check with your teacher if you are not sure which version to use.
• Then, select and complete a writing assignment from page 2 of the printout.

Note: The following words will appear in the reading. Click on each word to see its definition.

Version A

• currency
• ratify

Version B

• currency
• prospered
• ratification