- Hamilton tells the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, from his arrival in New York through the American Revolution, the formation of the U.S. government, and his rivalry with Aaron Burr.
- The musical draws on real people and events, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the Battle of Yorktown, the Federalist Papers, the election of 1800, and the Burr-Hamilton duel.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton, using hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, and musical theatre to explore ambition, revolution, politics, and legacy.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton brings the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton to the Broadway stage, using a score influenced by hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, and musical theatre to tell a story of revolution, ambition, rivalry, and legacy.
From the American Revolution to Hamilton’s political battles and famous rivalry with Aaron Burr, much of the musical is rooted in real people and events. Here’s what Hamilton is about and the history behind the Broadway musical.
Spoiler warning: The following sections reveal major events from the musical.
What is Hamilton about?
Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, from his arrival in New York as an ambitious young immigrant to his role in the American Revolution and the formation of the United States government.
Along the way, the musical follows Hamilton’s relationships with figures including George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, and the Schuyler sisters. His drive to make a lasting impact brings him political success, but his choices also affect his career, his family, and his increasingly tense relationship with Burr.
What happens in Hamilton?
Hamilton follows its central character across more than two decades of American history. The musical is told almost entirely through music, with its two acts covering different periods of Hamilton’s life.
What happens in Act I of Hamilton?
Act I follows the young Alexander Hamilton as he arrives in New York and becomes involved in the movement for American independence.
He meets Aaron Burr and fellow revolutionaries John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan before becoming an aide to General George Washington. Hamilton also meets and marries Eliza Schuyler, while her sister Angelica develops feelings for him.
The act follows Hamilton through the American Revolution, including the Battle of Yorktown, before turning to his growing political ambitions after the war.
What happens in Act II of Hamilton?
Act II moves from revolution to the politics of the newly formed United States.
Hamilton becomes the country’s first Secretary of the Treasury and clashes with Thomas Jefferson over the future of the government. His personal life also begins to unravel, with the consequences affecting both his family and political career.
At the same time, Aaron Burr becomes increasingly frustrated by Hamilton’s influence. Their rivalry eventually leads to the 1804 duel that ends Hamilton’s life.
Is Hamilton based on a true story?
Yes. Hamilton is based on the life of real American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and incorporates many real people and events from the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.
Who was the real Alexander Hamilton?
Alexander Hamilton was born in the Caribbean and moved to New York as a young man. During the American Revolution, he served as an aide to George Washington before commanding troops at the Battle of Yorktown.
After the war, Hamilton became an influential voice in the creation of the new U.S. government. He contributed extensively to The Federalist Papers and, as the first Secretary of the Treasury, helped establish the country’s early financial system.
His political career was marked by fierce disagreements with figures including Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Hamilton died in 1804 after being shot by Burr in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey.
What historical events are featured in Hamilton?
Although Hamilton condenses years of history into one musical, many of its major storylines are based on real events.
- The American Revolution: Hamilton joins the revolutionary cause and eventually serves under George Washington.
- The Battle of Yorktown: The 1781 battle becomes a major moment in Act I and helped bring the Revolutionary War toward its conclusion.
- The Federalist Papers: Hamilton was one of the authors of the essays written to support ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
- Hamilton’s financial plan: As Treasury Secretary, Hamilton argued for policies including federal assumption of state debts and the creation of a national bank.
- The Reynolds affair: Hamilton publicly acknowledged an extramarital affair with Maria Reynolds after facing accusations of financial misconduct.
- The election of 1800: Hamilton played a role in the political contest between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
- The Burr-Hamilton duel: The musical culminates in the 1804 duel in which Burr fatally wounded Hamilton.
Who are the main characters in Hamilton?
Many of the central characters in Hamilton are based on real historical figures. They include Alexander Hamilton, his political rival Aaron Burr, his wife Eliza Hamilton, her sister Angelica Schuyler, President George Washington, and Hamilton’s political opponent Thomas Jefferson.
Other historical figures featured in the musical include Marquis de Lafayette, James Madison, John Laurens, Hercules Mulligan, and King George III.
What inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to write Hamilton?
Lin-Manuel Miranda began developing Hamilton after reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda saw parallels between Hamilton’s ambition, prolific writing, and rise from an immigrant background and the storytelling traditions of hip-hop.
The idea initially developed as The Hamilton Mixtape before growing into the stage musical that would eventually premiere at The Public Theater and transfer to Broadway.
READ: How Hamilton’s Immigrant Story Inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda
How does Hamilton tell history through music?
Rather than using a traditional musical theatre score alone, Hamilton draws on hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, and Broadway influences to tell its story.
The musical uses different styles to help define its characters and conflicts. Political disagreements become rap battles, personal relationships unfold through ballads, and musical themes return throughout the score as the characters and their circumstances change.
Miranda’s approach gives historical debates and events a contemporary theatrical language while keeping the story centered on questions of ambition, identity, power, and legacy.
See Hamilton on Broadway
Hamilton continues its Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.
Find Hamilton Broadway tickets through Broadway Direct and explore available performance dates and seating options.
