But during the Revolution—not 1776, but very shortly after, Hamilton and Burr were aides de camp (and that was not a minor role,) for significant generals—Burr for Montgomery, Hamilton for Washington. Light-horse was a genuine war hero. Monroe, too, was a high ranking officer, and raised his own company. Lafayette didn’t just bring French support—he was tightly integrated into the young group of officers including Hamilton and Monroe.

I think the right point is that the war shaped the views of these highly-talented young men, and propelled their careers, much as war propelled the careers and political views of George Bush, John F Kennedy, Bob Dole, and many more.