The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding

The Hamilton Scheme by William Hogeland is a terrific read, a page-turner in parts, providing a brilliant portrait of the lesser-known side of Hamilton in which he fiercely championed the financial structures that established the federal government we have today. Hogeland takes us back to moment zero in the US culture wars that continue to rage today, a time at which there were fierce battles, both literal and figurative, among those who wanted a centralized federal government vs. control by states, and among those dedicated to rule by the male elite vs. the general population, a concept frequently portrayed by the elite at the time as “mobocracy”. Hogeland also highlights several lesser-known figures who featured powerfully in these battles. He reveals in massive and convincing detail how Hamilton was a fascinating, flawed person, much more than a hip-hop hero. He was a financial genius, influential social innovator, and shameless elitist without whom we would not have the powerful central government and very biased financial systems we have today. A highly recommended read for those who want to understand this aspect of the American social genome.

very interesting & enlightening analysis of the intricate financial considerations & social perspectives that shaped our nation’s founding

I am not a student of history, but found I could not put this book down. To be honest, I knew virtually nothing about Hamilton other than it being the name of a street in Brooklyn. This forefather of the financialization of America did more than any other figure in history to destroy the Democratic ideal, literally. The philosophical battles between Washington, Hamilton, Gallitan, Jefferson, Paine reverberate like thunder right to the present day. Identical characters to the notorious financial manipulators of today . Hamilton's God, the Debt was the vehicle used to build the country and the very wealthy in a sinister symbiotic relationship driven by greed. Sound familiar? The book is an exquisite primer on American history that casts prudent suspicion on other historical tales we've been fed growing up in America.

While, at times, the author seems to overdevelop some matters, they do add substance to his important telling of the truth behind what were the REAL anti-democratic views of our Founders.

Hogeland helps one see what was likely never shared with you even if you think you had a better than average grasp of the motivations of the founders. What they put in motion and why , and the impact of their actions on four distinct groups of people. It is important to love one's country enough to understand its historical shortcomings in order to grow ones apprectiation for how fragile it is, how resililient it might be, but only if each of us keeps an open mind and continues to make it a more perfect union.

William Hogeland documents with startling clarity and force how Hamilton, despite his recent elevation-via-musical to demigod status, could be a heartless and vindictive opponent and even persecutor of non-elites who advocated and practiced egalitarianism. Our "great" Alexander was a Founder who foundered, morally, more than most.

I read this book in one week, it tells the struggle of the US Constitution, the US Bank, The USA in debt for the Wars, and no one wanting to pay off the 200 million debt off

Well researched… told a story many historians do not tell

A very interesting read for anyone interested in American history. Book arrived on time and in good condition.