Angelica Schuyler did not marry Alexander Hamilton primarily because his limited financial standing was deemed a significant impediment to her societal duties and ambitions.
While Angelica and Alexander shared a remarkable intellectual connection, recognizing each other as equals in wit and intellect, their relationship did not progress to marriage due to pragmatic considerations of the era.
Societal Obligations and Fortune
In the 18th century, marriage was often a strategic alliance, particularly for women in prominent families. For Angelica, these considerations were amplified by her family's specific circumstances and societal expectations:
- Duty as Eldest Daughter: As the eldest daughter in a family with no sons, Angelica bore the significant responsibility of ensuring her family's continued social and economic standing. This duty necessitated a marriage that would secure substantial wealth and enhance their social position.
- Lack of Fortune: At the time, Alexander Hamilton lacked the significant fortune and established social standing that would have fulfilled Angelica's familial obligations. Despite his undeniable talent and charm, his financial prospects were not aligned with what was expected of her.
- Strategic Marriage: For Angelica, marrying into wealth and a higher social stratum was a critical duty to her family's legacy and future. This societal expectation, a necessity for climbing the social ladder, ultimately outweighed the thrill of an intellectual connection with Hamilton.
Ultimately, her commitment to her family's long-term prosperity and social ascent, which necessitated a marriage for fortune rather than purely for romantic or intellectual compatibility, prevented her from marrying Alexander Hamilton.
