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Article: Writings of Alexander Hamilton reaffirm his place in history: the long-overdue collection illuminates the founder's major contributions to the establishment of a free, secure and prosperous American republic. (Books).(Hamilton: Writings)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Insight on the News
- Article date:
- January 28, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Of all the founders of the American republic, the reputation of Alexander Hamilton has fluctuated the most. During his own lifetime, Hamilton enjoyed defenders and suffered detractors. His reputation declined during the antebellum period, but the triumph of neofederalism after the Civil War assured his position in the national pantheon.
Today, however, his reputation is ambiguous. Liberals consider him elitist, a mouthpiece for the rich and well-born (despite his own humble origins) as well as a militarist. Conservatives often dismiss him as an anti-free-trade protectionist and the forefather of deficit spending and the administrative state. Yet all agree that his ...