The Differences Between 'Hamilton' And History
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Differences Between 'Hamilton' And History

What got changed in the conversion from history to the pop musical.

2785
The Differences Between 'Hamilton' And History

"Hamilton" is a hip-hop/rap musical about the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton. Despite how strange it's sound, it's been won a ton of awards and been critically acclaimed. Like pretty much every work of historical fiction, it took some artistic license with the actual historical content. Here's some of what got changed:

Hamilton’s mother’s status as a “whore” is an oversimplification. She was forced into a marriage at an early age, and never officially divorced her first husband, although they ended up separated. He made an effort to discredit her, throwing her into jail for her infidelity. She never officially married Hamilton’s father due to never being divorced, but they seem to have been devoted to each other. On the other hand, there is some debate as to weather or not Alexander is even Hamilton’s son, given how he filed to stay in contact with both his father and his brother later in life.

There were actually fifteen children of Philip Schuyler, as opposed to the three in the musical. There were several sons, so there wasn't as much pressure on Angelica to marry rich. Also, Angelica was already involved with her future husband when she met Hamilton. Basically, the entirety of the song "Satisfied" is drama as opposed to history. Here’s Angelica’s Wikipedia page for reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_Schuyler_Church

Charles Lee survived his duel with Laurens.

Hamilton resigned from his position as the Secretary of the Treasury in 1795, two years before Adams became president, because the job didn’t pay well enough. However, he was still close friends with Washington and influential in politics at the time, and helped Washington write his farewell address.

James Monroe and Fredrick Muhlenberg were the ones who approached Hamilton about his affair. A journalist published the affair, before Hamilton did.

Hamilton was involved in 10 duels prior to his one with Burr, although he never actually shot any of his opponents

The pistols used in the duel between Alexander and Aaron Burr were the same pistols used in Alexander’s son’s duel. They where supplied by Angelica’s husband, who also had a duel with Burr, albeit with no fatalities.

The Hamilton-Burr duel did not result from the Election of 1800. Burr was Jefferson’s vice president. Jefferson didn’t run with Burr for reelection in 1804, so Burr tried to become governor of New York, and lost. Burr then heard that Hamilton was talking smack about him, and then they wrote letters to each other and eventually dueled.

Dueling actually was illegal in New Jersey, but it was more aggressively prosecuted in New York than it was in New Jersey.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85684
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51584
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments