Tag Archives: 1780

14 December 1780

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Founding Father Alexander Hamilton marries Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, New York.

Alexander Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a key figure in the early American Republic. He was born on January 11, 1755 (or 1757, the exact year is uncertain) in Charlestown, the capital of the island of Nevis in the West Indies. Hamilton’s early life was marked by hardship and tragedy; his father abandoned the family, and his mother died when he was just a child. He later moved to the American colonies for education.

American Revolution: Hamilton became involved in the American Revolutionary War at an early age. He served as a captain of artillery and rose through the ranks, catching the attention of General George Washington.

Contributions to the Constitution: Hamilton was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he played a significant role in drafting the United States Constitution. He was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution.

First Secretary of the Treasury: In President George Washington’s administration, Hamilton was appointed as the first Secretary of the Treasury in 1789. In this role, he advocated for a strong central government and implemented economic policies to stabilize the nation’s finances, including the establishment of a national bank.

Formation of the Federalist Party: Hamilton’s political views often clashed with those of Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton was a Federalist, advocating for a strong federal government, a national bank, and a robust financial system. His adversaries, including Jefferson, formed the Democratic-Republican Party, setting the stage for the nation’s first political parties.

Duel with Aaron Burr: One of the most famous events in Hamilton’s life was his fatal duel with Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804. The conflict between the two men had been building for years, culminating in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, where Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the following day.

Hamilton’s legacy is significant, especially in the realms of finance and government. His economic policies laid the foundation for the modern financial system, and his ideas continue to influence debates on the role of government and the economy in the United States. Despite his early death, Hamilton’s impact on American political and economic institutions endures.

10 October 1780

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The Great Hurricane of 1780 in the Caribbean kills 20 000 to 30000 people.

The Great Hurricane of 1780 was a devastating tropical cyclone that struck the Caribbean region in late October 1780. It is considered one of the deadliest hurricanes in recorded history and remains the deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record. The hurricane’s exact path is not well-documented, but it is believed to have passed over the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and possibly Hispaniola.

Date and Impact: The hurricane occurred from October 10 to October 16, 1780. It is estimated to have reached Category 5 intensity, with sustained winds that likely exceeded 200 mph (322 km/h).

Casualties: The storm caused immense destruction and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 22,000 to 27,500 people. The majority of the casualties occurred in the Lesser Antilles, where entire fleets of ships were destroyed.

Naval Losses: The hurricane had a profound impact on naval history. The British Royal Navy suffered significant losses, with many warships and merchant vessels destroyed. The disaster played a role in the British defeat in the American Revolutionary War, as it weakened British naval power in the Caribbean.

Barbados and Martinique: Barbados and Martinique were among the islands hardest hit. In Barbados, the hurricane destroyed the capital, Bridgetown, and caused widespread devastation. In Martinique, the storm inflicted severe damage, including the destruction of the town of Saint-Pierre.

Unprecedented Intensity: The intensity of the Great Hurricane of 1780 is believed to have been unparalleled in Atlantic hurricane history. The storm’s high winds and storm surge caused widespread destruction, and the devastation was exacerbated by the fact that many structures at the time were not built to withstand such a powerful storm.

Limited Meteorological Understanding: In the 18th century, meteorological understanding and communication were limited, and there was no formal system for naming hurricanes. Consequently, the Great Hurricane of 1780 was not well-documented compared to modern storms.