Final answer:
Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, serving from 1789 to 1795, and played a pivotal role in establishing the financial system of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who was Washington's Secretary of the Treasury?
George Washington's Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton, who served from 1789 to 1795. An ardent nationalist, Hamilton was instrumental in creating the foundation of the U.S. financial system, utilizing his extensive knowledge of the Atlantic trade. He was involved in legislative efforts to establish the Bank of the United States, despite facing opposition from figures like Thomas Jefferson. Moreover, Hamilton's vision included the belief that a robust federal government was necessary to provide a strong financial foundation for the country.
In his role, Hamilton also released the "Report on Public Credit" and convinced President Washington to sign into law the legislation that allowed for the establishment of a publicly chartered bank, designed to foster economic development, circulate paper money, and offer loans to the government.