Alexander Hamilton

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How did Hamilton's military aide experiences benefit his career?

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Hamilton's role as an aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War significantly advanced his career by providing him with crucial experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and intelligence. His responsibilities included communicating with Congress and drafting for Washington. This experience led to his rapid military promotion, election to the Congress of the Confederation, and participation in the Constitutional Convention, establishing his foundational political skills and connections.

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During the Revolutionary War, George Washington invited Alexander Hamilton to serve as his aide, with the official title of Lieutenant Colonel. As an aide, Hamilton was given many responsibilities including communicating with Congress, negotiating with other officers on Washington's behalf, and drafting letters and speeches for Washington. His role as senior staff aide under Washington gave him relevant political experience and skills, including diplomacy, negotiation, and intelligence. Hamilton was reassigned to a commander position in 1781, but his experience with Washington promoted him quickly within the military ranks. Hamilton's experience working with Washington resulted in his 1782 election to the Congress of the Confederation. Although he resigned within a year of his election, his relationship with Washington caused him to be chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention when he was serving as a New York legislator in 1787.

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