Hamilton's Central Bank: Then and Now
Keynote Presentation by Niel Willardson
The recent televised release of Broadway’s hit musical “Hamilton” has created renewed interest in the life and accomplishments of the main character—Alexander Hamilton. Not only did he play an important role during the Revolutionary War and the framing of the Constitution, Hamilton also envisioned and formed the First Bank of the United States, the precursor of today’s Federal Reserve System.
In this recorded Zoom presentation, Niel Willardson, senior vice president and general counsel at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis discusses Hamilton’s life, his influence on the Federal Reserve and the infamous duel that killed him.
- (8:22) – The importance of The Federalist Papers
- (10:30) – Hamilton’s financial revolution
- (16:00) – The room where it happened
- (18:56) – Influence of the first national bank on today’s Federal Reserve System
- (30:10) – The duel and Hamilton’s legacy
- (37:30) – Q&A session
Additional Resources
Blog Post:
Resources for Educators:
- Hamilton's National Bank
- Financial Crises, Reform, and Central Banking: Establishing the Federal Reserve (Page One Economics)
Articles and Publications:
This popular lecture series addresses key issues and provides the opportunity to ask questions of Fed experts. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the St. Louis Fed or Federal Reserve System.
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