Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury: His Duties

Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury: His Duties

How did Alexander Hamilton become Secretary of the Treasury? What were the major changes he made during his time in the role? According to Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury was one of the biggest roles to fill after the Constitution was ratified. President George Washington appointed Hamilton as the first person to fulfill this duty and changed the course of the US economy. Find out how Hamilton changed the US economy by imposing new taxes, which led to criticisms from other politicians.

The Impact of the French Revolution on America

The Impact of the French Revolution on America

What was America’s role in the French Revolution? Why were American parties split on helping the French? According to Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton, the French Revolution was a tough time for America. The Federalists wanted to side with the British for economic reasons, whereas the Republicans advocated for helping the French for democratic reasons. Let’s look at the impact of the French Revolution on America.

When Did the Federalist Party End? The Decline and Fall

When Did the Federalist Party End? The Decline and Fall

When did the Federalist Party end? What triggered the collapse of Federalism? Federalism slowly began to fizzle out by the end of the 18th century due to the rise of Republican voters and presidents. Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton details the fall of Federalism and Hamilton, who was the de facto leader of the party. Read more about the end of Federalism and Hamilton’s career.

Alexander Hamilton: Early Life and Success as a Writer

Alexander Hamilton: Early Life and Success as a Writer

What was Alexander Hamilton’s early life like? How did Hamilton go from an underprivileged boy in the Caribbean to a successful writer? Hamilton’s childhood is described in Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow as a rags-to-riches story. While some details about Hamilton’s parentage and upbringing are still unknown, there’s no denying that he had an extraordinary transformation. Keep reading to learn more about the early life of one of the most influential political figures in America.

The Four Mechanisms of Evolution (On the Origin of Species)

The Four Mechanisms of Evolution (On the Origin of Species)

How much did Charles Darwin understand genetics? Where did the term “survival of the fittest” come from? A foundational work in the field of biology, On the Origin of Species revolutionized the way we look at life on Earth. Published in 1859 by the naturalist Charles Darwin, this work explains and argues for his theory of evolution. Keep reading to learn about the four mechanisms of evolution that Darwin believes are at work.

Study the Past: Why Confucius Urges Us to Respect Tradition

Study the Past: Why Confucius Urges Us to Respect Tradition

Why doesn’t Confucius think he came up with any new ideas? If you want to be a good person, where does Confucius think you should start? Confucius looked back to the values and practices of the past to find wisdom for living today. He believed that certain traditions are worth keeping alive. This is reflected in The Analects, where he discussed the importance of respecting where we come from. Read more to learn why we would do well to study the past and respect tradition as Confucius did.

Jimmy Carter’s Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Plains, GA

Jimmy Carter’s Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Plains, GA

What were Jimmy Carter’s parents like? Why did he speak with an African-American accent as a child? Jimmy Carter made it to the White House—a far cry from where he began. In the book His Very Best, biographer Jonathan Alter paints a vivid picture of Carter’s formative years that set the stage for an extraordinary life. Keep reading to learn about Jimmy Carter’s early life and how it shaped him.