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Hamilton and Jefferson: a founding rivalry

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Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton is considered by many to be America's most controversial founding father -- the leading force behind the Constitution, chief advocate for a strong central government and architect of America's economy, rescuing the young country from bankruptcy after the Revolutionary War.
Image by John Trumbull, courtesy of The New York Historical Society

That a musical about Alexander Hamilton would be such a popular success came as a surprise to nearly everyone, and many credit Lin-Manuel Miranda's show with saving Alexander Hamilton's place on the $10 bill.

Before the "Hamilton" craze, historian John Ferling was the featured speaker at the Minnesota Historical Society's "History Forum." He's the author of "Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation."

Ferling spoke Nov. 8, 2014, at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.