Alexander Hamilton Lesson Plan

Why does Hamilton’s affair with Maria Reynolds lead to suspicions about his conduct as Secretary of the Treasury? How do Hamilton’s political adversaries use his weaknesses to their advantage?

Students will likely note that, although the Reynolds affair is still mostly under wraps at this point from the public, it leads many of Hamilton’s political and professional colleagues to question his judgement. Some question if Hamilton has been hiding this illicit affair for all this time, what else might he be hiding? Jefferson and his political allies take advantage of this situation to push for more in-depth investigations into Hamilton’s conduct in his public capacity,...