The American Success Story of Alexander Hamilton and Diligence

In this lesson, students will understand the importance of being diligent in their lives by examining the life of Alexander Hamilton. They will read a narrative about Hamilton and discuss the ways in which he remained diligent in different periods of his life. They will analyze Hamilton quotations to understand how he acted with diligence and how they can act with diligence in their own lives. Finally, students will create a plan about how to act diligently regarding a project, task, or situation in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• How did Alexander Hamilton’s diligence advance the freedom of himself and others?
• What was Hamilton’s identity as a child? As a young man? As a student? As a member of the Continental Army? As a Founder?
• What was Hamilton’s purpose at the different stages of his life? How did that affect his diligence?
• Hamilton faced many difficulties throughout his life. How did his diligence help to define his performance in each role he had throughout life?
• What is the link between Hamilton’s identity and purpose throughout his life?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Understand the definition of diligence and the importance of being diligent in one’s life.
• Examine how Alexander Hamilton acted diligently during each period of his life.
• Discuss ways in which they can act diligently in their own lives.
• Apply knowledge of diligence and examples of diligent behavior in creating a plan for acting diligently in their own lives.