By Nancy Spannaus
Dec. 19, 2025—I am pleased to announce that the video of my November 16 interview with the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society’s Virtual Book Club has now been posted on AmericanSystemNow’s You Tube channel. You can access the one-hour discussion here.
The topic for my discussion with Nicole Scholet, President of the Alexander Hamitlon Society, was Alexander Hamilton’s indispensable role in the American Revolution, as presented in my recent book From Subject to Citizen: What Americans Need to Know about Their Revolution. My intent, of course, was to encourage viewers to purchase that book, which I composed as a challenge going into the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Hamilton’s Roles
Despite his late arrival on the North American mainland, young Alexander played a major role in every phase of the American Revolution which I cover in my book. Those phases are: 1) The Revolutionary Furor Grows; 2) Forging the Declaration; and 3) Creating the Constitution.
His first interventions came in 1774-75, when he took the point against attacks on the actions of the First Continental Congress with two extensive essays published in the New York press. My detailed description of those essays, in which Hamilton describes how “America” could become a manufacturing nation independent of Great Britain, can be found in the book, as well as my blog. (Click here)
Hamilton did not play a direct role in the discussions about the Declaration of Independence, as far as I know. From 1775 on, he was involved militarily, not politically, in the Revolution. But the concept of natural law which the Declaration of Independence embodies – one which connects the rights of the citizen with the duties to promote the general welfare – was also espoused by Hamilton. And a major article demonstrating that point is included in the book.
The most direct role Hamilton played in forging our sovereign nation, of course, was in the fight for the Constitution – ranging from calling for the Convention, to framing its content, fighting for its ratification, and creating a viable economy out of literal bankruptcy. Contrary to those who consider the Constitution a “counter-revolution,” In the book I demonstrate its republican character. Alexander Hamilton’s insistence on the general welfare puts him squarely in that republican camp.
A Time for Serious Thought
It is my fervent hope that this volume on the American Revolution will “take off” during our Anniversary Year. My book Hamilton Versus Wall Street has sold over 2200 copies – and it came out after the height of the musical’s popularity. Why not hit 5000 with From Subject to Citizen? Aren’t there that many people concerned with saving our republic from the dysfunctional division which now dominates our political life?
Kirkus Reviews concluded: “Seemingly settled history comes alive with renewed vigor in this incisive overview.” See my book page or Amazon for more reviews.
Enjoy the video – and then, please buy the book. Just click here.
Tags: Alexander Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society, American Revolution, From Subject to Citizen, Nancy Spannaus