Alexander Hamilton was a key figure in the founding of the United States. He served as an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later worked as an adviser to General George Washington. In this role, he realized the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which did not provide for a strong central government. After leaving his military post, Hamilton worked to establish a stronger federal system and was a leading author of the Federalist Papers advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He went on to serve in various government roles, including as the first Secretary of the Treasury.