There are many meanings of the word integrity. Merriam-Webster defines the word as, “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.“ Popular culture dictates that “integrity is being who you say you are, even when no one’s looking.” The Army Values say that integrity is “doing what is right, legally and morally.” Despite these different definitions, Alexander Hamilton fits all these definitions in his law career and even in his death. Great Britain took control over the colony of New York in 1776, As such, many rebels fled the colony to other parts of the Americas. In the rebels’ absence, many of those loyal to the British cause found refuge in the abandoned homes and businesses of New York. After the end of the Revolutionary War nearly a decade later, many of the “rebels“ returned home to find their homes and businesses occupied.
Many of those who returned sued the “Loyalists” for compensation, Alexander Hamilton defended many of these “Loyalists” in court, and even helped create the judicial review system and the concepts of due process. Hamilton fought for the people who weren’t well-liked in the new country because he believed that they had rights. That displays a great amount of integrity. Aaron Burr was the vice president whilst Thomas Jefferson was president. Jefferson left Burr out of many important deals and conferences during his term. Then, unexpectedly, Jefferson dropped Burr from his ticket, Burr then ran to become the governor of New York. After losing this election, Burr was near the end of his rope Around this time, Burr allegedly claimed that he read in a newspaper that Hamilton had called him “the most unfit and dangerous man of the community.”
Burr snapped and challenged Hamilton to a duel. Reluctantly, Hamilton agreed. ln his journals, Hamilton documented his distaste for dueling. The night before the infamous duel, Hamilton wrote in his journals his intentions to shoot above Burr’s head. At the duel, Hamilton fired first, missing Burr, and Burr shot back Hamilton was wounded and died the next day This describes Hamilton’s desire to stick to his values, despite knowing that he would die of it, Alexander Hamilton was a great man who lived a life of integrity He is so well respected that he is one of two men found on US. Currency who were not Presidents of the United States. Alexander Hamilton lived up to the words he said.
After the war, Hamilton continued to serve his country, both as a politician and as a military leader. He played a key role in the formation of the United States government and served as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Throughout his life, Hamilton was guided by a strong sense of honor and integrity. He believed that individuals should be judged not by their wealth or status, but by their character and actions. He also believed in the importance of personal responsibility and stressed the need for individuals to hold themselves accountable for their actions. Hamilton’s commitment to these values made him a role model for generations of soldiers and leaders, and his legacy continues to inspire people today. The Army’s core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are all reflected in Hamilton’s life and career, making him a true exemplar of Army values.
