We sit down and talk with Pulitzer-Prize winning biographer Ron Chernow to discuss the unique relationship between Alexander Hamilton and George Washington.
What a wonderful way to pull us back into the 18th century. I hope he covers Aaron Burr next because after reading this book, I’m fascinated with Aaron Burr’s life too.
Aaron Burr is FASCINATING! I think he was a man who was meant for a more modern era. I think his story is one of the saddest in all of American history (not counting slavery and genocide of indigenous ppls; that deserves its own category of tragic)
Thank you for your posts, I've recently gotten into learning (in detail, I knew the basics) about the founding of our country. Your posts are invaluable to me because I don't have the means to visit Mount Vernon. I wish I could; and when I am able to, I'm more than sure I will.
The study of the early history of the United States of America may give an idea of transferring savage poverty into civilized prosperity. This idea is desperately needed now when savage dictators are balancing on the brink of the ultimate destruction of the human race. Yet historians seems to be writing their books only for each other, being very proud of themselves, tossing most essential detailed: how on Earth Hamilton managed to establish credibility of the federal government, Federal currency and Federal Bank in the country that produce nothing but debt. This details would be helpful in making Russia, Iran, and China turning for the civilized the Democratic development.
At @ 26:20 Ron brings up the old story of Hamilton leaving Washington's personal staff partially due to Hamilton's "prima donna" personality not tolerating a slight from his superior in every way - Washington. I never entirely bought this bit of Fiction in the Hamilton myth- that being that Washington treated Hamilton like the son he never had. Hamilton just used Washington like he used everyone who had value to his ambition. He must have done some fast talking to wedge his way into the patrician Schuyler family. Remember this fact- Hamilton's fame and fortune took a complete turn for the worse after Washington died. Aaron Burr was an adventurer, willing to take risks like a true founder like Washington, Jefferson and Adams. All would have been hung by the British if the war ended badly . What exactly did Hamilton risk-he was minor figure in the 1774-1783 period. He probably embezzled from the Treasury when he was Secretary of the Treasury. He practically admitted it. Ron is a great historical screenwriter who likes to exaggerate a bit-but he's fun to read. By the way, Burr was a much better court house attorney than Hamilton. Burr was in court and Hamilton was practicing his prose in the office. Hamilton was not a founding father of the first rank, he was a lawyer whose client was the ratification of the Constitution. He was a minor figure during the War and he walked out on Washington's staff!
Bro is the Hamilton Hater 💀💀💀 He was a great man, & like everyone (obviously not you though, right?), was flawed. He accomplished more in a lifetime - with significantly less resources - than you are likely to in twenty.
He’s very matter of fact when it comes to Washington as an enslaver. Moves passed that subject quickly. I hate that because this country has hidden that ugly fact for centuries and as a result, we’re taught to look at him as a hero - not the brutal enslaver that he was. He had them whipped, sold, fed them meager rations of corn meal and salted fish, clothed them insufficiently (2 garments a year) , worked them from sun break to sun set, used their teeth for his dentures (he even paid some of them as if that would make up for the dirty deed), he willed them free upon the death of Martha. The only problem with that was her heirs took over ownership which meant they died enslaved. Washington was garbage.
No. Washington had one slave freed immediately upon his death and the rest were to be upon Martha's but she had them freed beforehand in 1802, just a couple years after GW's death. All the rest did not belong to him and so he had no control over their freedom. GW was very much influenced by the slave he freed upon his death and this is why he actually had a much more ENLIGHTENED view of slaves then most during that period. You unfairly criticize him with an ignorantly presentist view and cherry pick only that which you believe him guilty without giving him credit in the plethora of ways he was truly remarkable in only the most positive sense. What does that say about you? If it hadn't been for Washington's sacrifices, there would quite literally be no America, no freedom or opportunity for a better life for anyone in this country. And yet you call him garbage? Best for a fool to remain silent then open their mouth and remove all doubt.
the framers of the constitution and writers of the declaration of independence clearly write out their views on slavery. Mt Vernon Washington was not a slave driver. I suppose you think Jefferson is a pos too.
This is the problem with exaggerating a flaw. George Washington did great things, and for that he deserves to be called a great man. Would you say that an average nonslaveowner at that time was a great man?
I learned so much and could listen to Mr. Chernow for hours and hours.
What a wonderful way to pull us back into the 18th century. I hope he covers Aaron Burr next because after reading this book, I’m fascinated with Aaron Burr’s life too.
Aaron Burr is FASCINATING! I think he was a man who was meant for a more modern era. I think his story is one of the saddest in all of American history (not counting slavery and genocide of indigenous ppls; that deserves its own category of tragic)
Ashley Landman absolutely
Gore Vidal wrote a book on Aaron Burr
@@mcrdl76 thank you so much!
Yes, probably better than is Gore Vidal’s oeuvre, but likely long and ordered books I haven’t yet read.
I love Ron Chernow and his Washington biography. Inspired my first trip to Mt. Vernon in 2022.
is it just me or does he look like a proud father when hes talking about hamilton coming to washingtons attention
The play was the best ever!
Excellent. I have listened to the Chernow Hamilton on audible at least 5 times. Love it. "We have it" - when Hamilton gets the field duty
"The work is only just beginning... we likely know more about Washington than Martha did..." WOW
Thank you for your posts, I've recently gotten into learning (in detail, I knew the basics) about the founding of our country. Your posts are invaluable to me because I don't have the means to visit Mount Vernon. I wish I could; and when I am able to, I'm more than sure I will.
Thank you for this
i came to this just because im so into their relationship its so interesting to me from meet me inside lol
We will be answering this very question in an upcoming video, thanks for asking!
Best biographer !
Best? Excellent, yes, but the best? That’s a subject for much debate.
*When your bone snaps*
17:59
Does anyone know what the book series is behind him? It takes up the whole bookcase!
"So, I wrote this little book....."
This seems suspiciously *not* full length, both at the beginning and at the end.
Great talk though.
The study of the early history of the United States of America may give an idea of transferring savage poverty into civilized prosperity. This idea is desperately needed now when savage dictators are balancing on the brink of the ultimate destruction of the human race. Yet historians seems to be writing their books only for each other, being very proud of themselves, tossing most essential detailed: how on Earth Hamilton managed to establish credibility of the federal government, Federal currency and Federal Bank in the country that produce nothing but debt. This details would be helpful in making Russia, Iran, and China turning for the civilized the Democratic development.
.
At @ 26:20 Ron brings up the old story of Hamilton leaving Washington's personal staff partially due to Hamilton's "prima donna" personality not tolerating a slight from his superior in every way - Washington. I never entirely bought this bit of Fiction in the Hamilton myth- that being that Washington treated Hamilton like the son he never had. Hamilton just used Washington like he used everyone who had value to his ambition. He must have done some fast talking to wedge his way into the patrician Schuyler family. Remember this fact- Hamilton's fame and fortune took a complete turn for the worse after Washington died. Aaron Burr was an adventurer, willing to take risks like a true founder like Washington, Jefferson and Adams. All would have been hung by the British if the war ended badly . What exactly did Hamilton risk-he was minor figure in the 1774-1783 period. He probably embezzled from the Treasury when he was Secretary of the Treasury. He practically admitted it. Ron is a great historical screenwriter who likes to exaggerate a bit-but he's fun to read. By the way, Burr was a much better court house attorney than Hamilton. Burr was in court and Hamilton was practicing his prose in the office. Hamilton was not a founding father of the first rank, he was a lawyer whose client was the ratification of the Constitution. He was a minor figure during the War and he walked out on Washington's staff!
Bro is the Hamilton Hater 💀💀💀
He was a great man, & like everyone (obviously not you though, right?), was flawed.
He accomplished more in a lifetime - with significantly less resources - than you are likely to in twenty.
I think Hamilton was pretty much nothing without Washington.
He’s very matter of fact when it comes to Washington as an enslaver. Moves passed that subject quickly. I hate that because this country has hidden that ugly fact for centuries and as a result, we’re taught to look at him as a hero - not the brutal enslaver that he was. He had them whipped, sold, fed them meager rations of corn meal and salted fish, clothed them insufficiently (2 garments a year) , worked them from sun break to sun set, used their teeth for his dentures (he even paid some of them as if that would make up for the dirty deed), he willed them free upon the death of Martha. The only problem with that was her heirs took over ownership which meant they died enslaved. Washington was garbage.
No one cares about your feelings!
No. Washington had one slave freed immediately upon his death and the rest were to be upon Martha's but she had them freed beforehand in 1802, just a couple years after GW's death. All the rest did not belong to him and so he had no control over their freedom. GW was very much influenced by the slave he freed upon his death and this is why he actually had a much more ENLIGHTENED view of slaves then most during that period. You unfairly criticize him with an ignorantly presentist view and cherry pick only that which you believe him guilty without giving him credit in the plethora of ways he was truly remarkable in only the most positive sense. What does that say about you? If it hadn't been for Washington's sacrifices, there would quite literally be no America, no freedom or opportunity for a better life for anyone in this country. And yet you call him garbage? Best for a fool to remain silent then open their mouth and remove all doubt.
Thank god for George Washington. 🇺🇸
the framers of the constitution and writers of the declaration of independence clearly write out their views on slavery. Mt Vernon Washington was not a slave driver. I suppose you think Jefferson is a pos too.
This is the problem with exaggerating a flaw. George Washington did great things, and for that he deserves to be called a great man. Would you say that an average nonslaveowner at that time was a great man?
Too bad Chernow is simplistic in his hatred of Trump, showing he has zero objectivity.
D Storm Watched the whole hour interview. I did not hear any mention of Trump.
That's just because his IQ is higher than 35. Forgive him...
what does trump have to do with anything
He's studied great leaders and recognizes that Trump is far from great.
@Don P, too bad. It must be a miserable existence to hate so many millions of people with no real cause.