Alexander Hamilton: Ambivalent Anglophile

Biographies in American Foreign Policy

by Lawrence S. Kaplan

Of all of the Founding Fathers of the American republic none, with the possible exception of Thomas Jefferson, has evoked more passions and aroused more controversy than Alexander Hamilton. In this absorbing new biography, eminent historian Lawrence Kaplan examines Hamilton's conception of America's role in the world and the foreign policies that followed from his vision. Kaplan looks at how Hamilton acted upon his views in shaping the course of American foreign relations. The author provides a focused, accessible biography of Hamilton and a nuanced assessment of his impact on Federalist Era foreign policy. In the Jefferson-Jackson era Hamilton's persona as an elitist urban aristocrat condemned him as an enemy of an expanding democratic America-an Anglophile at a time when Great Britain was the major adversary. Such was his reputation as an enemy of the common man that his deep-seated opposition to the institution of slavery won little recognition from northern abolitionists. This book will fascinate readers with its insights into Hamilton and the formative years of the United States of America.

Genres: History

198 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Emilija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent short biography of Hamilton, but it was very focused on arguing that the Anglophilia / Francophilia of Hamilton and Jefferson has been overdrawn by historians. There were parts that I disagreed with, but that isn't unusual with historical books like this.

[Oolalaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

8/20

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short biography of Hamilton, emphasizing his contributions to American foreign relations. Kaplan argues that the contrasts between Hamilton and Jefferson have been overdrawn by historians (even as they were by the two men themselves). Both favored policies intended to help the US develop into a power independent of the control of any European nation. While Hamilton preferred a closer relationship with Britain and a greater distance from France, he was at most an "ambivalent Anglophile," seeing that relationship as beneficial to the US, and less to so Britain.

[KC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose the book because I thought I needed to learn more about Hamilton but half way through, I realized I had pretty much learned it all while reading Adams and Jefferson. It was interesting, but I would suggest a different book on him. A little too dry.