Hamilton's views on slavery were complicated and evolving from "summary" of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Hamilton's views on slavery were indeed complex and subject to change. At times he seemed like a conventional man of his era, mesmerized by the glories of ancient Rome and Greece. He once wrote that "the contempt we have been taught to entertain for the blacks, make us fancy many things that are founded neither in reason nor experience." Yet, he also harbored deep reservations about the institution of slavery. He saw it as a moral stain on the fledgling republic and understood the inherent contradiction in fighting for liberty while holding others in bondage. Hamilton's early years in the Caribbean undoubtedly influenced his perspective on slavery. He witnessed the horrors of the slave trade firsthand and lived among a society built on the backs of enslaved laborers. These experiences left a lasting impression on him and shaped his evolving views on the issue. As he rose to prominence in the American colonies, Hamilton began to grapple more openly with the moral implications of slavery. He became increasingly vocal in his opposition to the institution, ad...
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