1797 – 1804 Alexander Hamilton (Federalist)
How did a bastard orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Carribean, by providence impoverished, to squalor, grow up to be a hero and a President? That was what many have asked about Hamilton's presidency, both at the time and later on but it is perhaps not too surprising that a man of his talents, influence and magnificent singing voice would rise so high. Hamilton's administration sought to centralise the American government and repair relations with Britain. However, although Hamilton had been narrowly re-elected in 1800, tensions with France and economic troubles had made his administration increasingly unpopular and it is doubtful that his party would have been able to retain power even if Hamilton had not been killed in a dual with Aaron Burr.
