January 10th, 1733 - 1758: Poor Richard's Almanac
I. Introduction
From the early to mid-1700s, almanacs were a widespread commodity, and American Colonists’ reliance on almanacs was evident. Benjamin Franklin, under a fictional author character alias, wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac, a publication containing practical advice for daily life and farming predictions.
II. Content of Poor Richard's Almanac
This almanac featured practical advice, famous sayings like “A penny saved is a penny earned,” wisdom in simplicity such as "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," emphasis on action over words with "Well done is better than well said," and humor like "People wrapped up in themselves make small packages." It also provided farming advice and insights, reinforcing phrases such as “One day’s work is worth two tomorrows” and themes like "Laziness leads to poverty" and "Hard work leads to success."
III. Setting
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Time: January 10th, 1733 - 1758
IV. Purpose
- Educational and entertaining
- Blend of practical advice and sayings to teach and improve the quality of life for American Colonists
- Non-scientific but effective for its time; more scientific methods are prevalent now
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, Poor Richard's Almanac was a source of guidance, humor, and wisdom, contributing to the improvement of daily life in colonial America.
January 11th, 1755 or 1757: Alexander Hamilton
Introduction: Born on January 11th, 1755 or 1757, Alexander Hamilton's early life was marked by challenges as an orphan on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Despite these hardships, he emerged as a key figure in shaping the United States.
Roles and Contributions: Alexander Hamilton served as the first Secretary of the Treasury, wielding significant influence over the early United States government. Though he never held the presidency, his leadership in creating the Federalist Party and advocating for a strong central government left an indelible mark on American politics.
Contribution to the Political System: Hamilton's visionary contributions extended to the very foundations of the United States. His advocacy for a robust central government challenged democratic ideals, and his role in crafting the Federalist Papers and influencing the Constitution reflected his commitment to shaping the nation's political structure.
Financial System: Hamilton's expertise in financial matters was evident in his role in establishing the financial system of the United States. His influence on economic policies and fiscal matters was instrumental in shaping the nation's early financial landscape.
Geographical Influence: While born in Nevis, Caribbean, Hamilton's active involvement extended to the 13 colonies and early America, where he played a crucial role in the formation of the nation.
Motivation: Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a profound love for the ideals of the United States, Alexander Hamilton dedicated his life to realizing the principles outlined in the nation's constitution.