Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers. But Hamilton's vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.

The disputes that arose during America's first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out. Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream--a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries.

Related subjects and concepts discussed in the book include:

Law and Legal Concepts
Due process
Bill of Rights
Freedom of Speech and the Press
Originalism / nonoriginalism (theories of Constitutional interpretation)

Government
Checks and Balances
Democracy
Electoral College
Republic

Financial Concepts
Capitalism
Credit
Inflation
Interest
Mercantilism
Securities: Stocks and Bonds
Tariffs
Taxes

Miscellaneous
Demagogues
Dueling
Pastoralism

About the Series
The Making of America series traces the constitutional history of the United States through overlapping biographies of American men and women. The debates that raged when our nation was founded have been argued ever since: How should the Constitution be interpreted? What is the meaning, and where are the limits of personal liberty? What is the proper role of the federal government? Who should be included in "we the people"? Each biography in the series tells the story of an American leader who helped shape the United States of today.

Author: Teri Kanefield
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 03/07/2017
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781419725784
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 8.7
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 188890 / Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2017
School Library Journal 02/01/2017 pg. 122
Publishers Weekly 02/13/2017
Booklist 03/15/2017 pg. 37
Voice of Youth Advocates 04/01/2017 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2017 pg. 230 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author
Teri Kanefield is a lawyer and writer. Her books for children have won numerous awards and distinctions, including the Jane Addams Peace Award in the Older Readers category. She lives with her family in San Francisco, California.



This title is only available via back order