Hamilton the Musical hit Broadway in August 2015 and since that time people all around the world have been learning about a man named Alexander Hamilton. Or, at least they’ve been learning about the musical’s character Alexander Hamilton.
But who was Alexander Hamilton as a real person?
Joanne Freeman, a Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, and one of the foremost experts on the life of Alexander Hamilton, joins us to explore this large question so we can discover more about the man who helped to create the United States.
About the Show
Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.
It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.
Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.
Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.
Episode Summary
Joanne Freeman, a Professor of History and American Studies at Yale University, and one of the foremost experts on the life of Alexander Hamilton, joins us to explore the life and politics of Alexander Hamilton.
During our conversation, Joanne reveals details about Alexander Hamilton’s early life in the Caribbean; how and why Hamilton joined the American Revolution; And information about Hamilton’s politics and ideas about government.
What You’ll Discover
- Alexander Hamilton as a research subject
- Hamilton’s childhood in the Caribbean
- Hamilton’s hurricane letter
- Hamilton’s arrival in New York City
- Hamilton’s American education
- The American Revolution and Hamilton’s involvement
- Samuel Seabury’s exchange with Hamilton
- How George Washington brought Hamilton into the Continental Army
- Hamilton’s military service
- Lafayette and Hamilton
- The politics of Alexander Hamilton
- Hamilton’s views on slavery
- The Schuyler Family and Hamilton
- The Reynolds Affair
- The Federalist Papers
- The political power and influence of Alexander Hamilton
- The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
- Hamilton’s legacy to United States history
Links to People, Places, and Publications
- Joanne Freeman
- Joanne on Twitter: @jbf1755
- The Essential Hamilton: Letters & Other Writings: A Library of America Special
- Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic
- The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War
- Hamilton the Musical
- Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical Is Restaging America's Past
- BackStory
Sponsor Links
- Omohundro Institute
- The History List (Use promo code BEN to save $5)
Complementary Episodes
- Bonus: The Marquis de Lafayette and the Hermione
- Episode 094: Cassandra Good, Founding Friendships
- Episode 153: Committees and Congresses: Governments of the Revolution
- Episode 179: George Van Cleve, Governance During the Critical Period
- Episode 180: Kate Elizabeth Brown, Alexander Hamilton and the Making of American Law
- Episode 202: Early History of the United States Congress
Time Warp Question
In your opinion, what might have happened if Alexander Hamilton had become President of the United States? What kind of President do you think Hamilton would have been?
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
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