For Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) students, learning a new topic can be difficult as there are complex concepts introduced in each unit, but to help with this problem, a visual representation of the topic can show the history as it was played out ways that are interesting, fascinating, and easy to understand for students. One way to help students understand history better is by watching the musical “Hamilton.” Although the musical only pertains to Alexander Hamilton and characters prominent during the era of creating the American Government, it explains this period through modern music and language while taking a new approach on perspective through the performing characters.
“Hamilton”, the musical by famous playwright Lin Manuel Miranda, was released on February 17, 2015. The musical displays several events in American history during the lifetime of Alexander Hamilton. The musical involves other characters crucial to the storyline as well, such as Aaron Burr, King George lll, George Washington, and James Madison.
The story consists of the history of the American Revolution and romance. The songs are in chronological order, with the historical events of this time, the lyrics corresponding to what is happening, where it’s happening, and fundamental dialogue between the “characters.”
Disc 1:
Track 1: “Alexander Hamilton”
The play opens with the song Alexander Hamilton, in which the main character, Alexander Hamilton, is introduced. This track explains how he lost both his parents and upbringing by working hard and being extremely intelligent. It also includes how he moves to New York from the Island of Nevis to be a new man and influence the revolution.
Track 3: “My Shot”
In this track, Hamilton raps about his “shot,” or his opportunity to fulfill his political dreams. He wanted a chance to help build a country that runs independently even though he is “young, scrappy, and hungry,” showing his grit and determination. Marquis de Lafayette and John Lawerence also appear in the song, speaking of their vastly different backgrounds, insinuating that the American Revolution was supported by people of all backgrounds, from young and poor to a tailor’s apprentice to a Frenchman. He also mentions that his shot will include a financial plan, referencing it in the lyrics asking, “What state is our nation in?”.
Track 4: “The Schuyler Sisters”
This track introduces the three daughters of Philip J Schuyler, who played a key role in American wars: the Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy. Angelica sings about wanting a revolution and a break from Great Britain. She says, “I’ve been reading ‘Common Sense’ by Thomas Paine”, a popular book published in 1776 before the Declaration of Independence. The book contains a set of arguments stating the colonies needed independence from England, a call for revolution, and the creation of a democratic republic. This song shows a unique perspective, as it is a woman calling for revolution.
Track 7: “You’ll Be Back”
In this track, King George III is introduced in the story and begins by stating the situation the colonies and Britain are in: “The price of my love’s not a price that you’re willing to pay…in your tea which you hurl in the sea when you see me go by”. The king feels that the colonies will return once they realize how powerful the British army is, “And when push comes to shove I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love!”. This song shows the story from the perspective of the king, or an outside view from someone living in the colonies, by using upbeat and dramatic rhythm of the song with humorous lines from the singer, King George III, of events that are not so funny but true to history.
Track 10: “Helpless”
This track is a song sung by Eliza Schuyler. It explains how she and Alexander Hamilton began their relationship, sharing her experience of first laying eyes on him, her sister Angelica, who likes Hamilton as well, introducing them, and Hamilton proposing to Eliza.
Track 23: “Non-stop”
This is the last track of Disc 1. In this track, Hamilton introduces the idea of defending the Constitution to Aaron Burr as it is getting backlash from the Constitutional Convention. Hamilton joined James Madison and John Jay to write essays defending the new constitution called “The Federalist Papers.” During this song, we see a clear rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson as the feud about how America’s government should run; Hamilton was a Federalist who believed in a strong central government, while Jefferson was an Anti-Federalist who believed the people should have power in the government.
Disc2:
Track 1: “What’d I Miss”
In the first track of Disc 2, Thomas Jefferson returns to the colonies after visiting Paris from 1784 to 1789. He gives insight from the French on their contribution to the American Revolution.
Track 2: “Cabinet Battle #1”
In this track, Alexander Hamilton debuts a plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank. Still, Thomas Jefferson debated that money would only benefit the elites and government and that small states and farmers would be forgotten. He argues this through lines such as “If New York’s in debt, why should Virginia bear it?” and “Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky, imagine what gon’ happen when you try to tax our whiskey.” This second set of lyrics helps explain why the Whiskey Rebellion arose, which consisted of farmers protesting what they saw as unfair taxation to whiskey.
Track 5: “The Room Where It Happens”
In this track, Hamilton talks about doing whatever it takes to get his debt plan through. The lines, “Two Virginians and an immigrant walk into a room… they emerge with a compromise… no one else was in the room where it happened,” explain how a secret meeting took place involving Hamilton’s financial plan, which consisted of assuming federal and state debts, establishing a national bank, and creating a tax system to create revenue.
Track 9: “One Last Time”
In this song, Washington tells Hamilton that Thomas Jefferson, his rival, will be running for president in 1800. Hamilton is confident in Washington, saying he knows Washington will be reelected. Washington refuses and goes on to say he is not going to run for president again.
The Hamilton soundtrack offers a fun and exciting way to learn about American History through music, humor, and acting. The songs and lyricism create an entertaining way of storytelling the struggles and goals of the Founding Fathers while also giving them personality and insight into their lives. This musical educates viewers while giving them an enjoyable experience that can be shared with friends and family.
