153. The Founding Fathers: Alexander Hamilton (Ep 3)

This podcast episode delves into the life of Alexander Hamilton, focusing on his unconventional upbringing and rise to prominence. The hosts discuss Hamilton's illegitimate birth in the Caribbean, his impoverished childhood marked by the deaths of both parents and a guardian, and his eventual self-education and emigration to America. His remarkable journey from an apprentice carpenter to a student at King's College (Columbia University) is highlighted, emphasizing his resilience and intellectual capabilities. The episode uses Ron Chernow's biography as a primary source and contrasts Hamilton's background with that of other Founding Fathers, noting his strong opposition to slavery despite his origins in a slave-owning society. Listeners gain a detailed understanding of Hamilton's early life and the factors that shaped his future.