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

The Differences Between 'Hamilton' And History

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

2797
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 Like pretty much every work of historical fiction, it took some artistic license with the actual historical content.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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193568
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16871
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459342
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27466
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments