Madison, James, and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, September 8, 1793. September 8, 1793. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/mjm012966/.
This letter is an excellent resource for connecting the historical debates of Jefferson and Hamilton to the themes in the musical Hamilton. By analyzing Jefferson’s own words, students gain a deeper understanding of his opposition to Hamilton’s economic and political vision as depicted in songs like “Cabinet Battle #1” from the musical. It allows students to evaluate how historical documents and creative works like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s play interpret and dramatize history. This source also provides a foundation for discussions about the role of art in shaping public memory and understanding of historical figures.
In this letter, Thomas Jefferson writes to James Madison, sharing his views on domestic and foreign policy in the context of the political tensions of the 1790s. He critiques Federalist policies and emphasizes the importance of agrarian values, limited government, and the potential dangers of foreign influence. The letter provides a detailed look at Jefferson’s ideology during a pivotal time in the nation’s history and highlights the debates that shaped the US government in its formative years.
This letter provides insight into Thomas Jefferson’s perspective on political and economic issues in the early Republic. Written during his tenure as Secretary of State, Jefferson shares his concerns about domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding the tension between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Teachers can use this document to discuss the political atmosphere of the 1790s, highlighting debates about the role of government, states’ rights, and the influence of foreign nations, such as France and Britain, on the young nation. The letter also reflects Jefferson’s views on agrarianism, governance, and his often fraught relationship with Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist policies.
- How does Jefferson’s letter to Madison deepen our understanding of the ideological conflict dramatized in Hamilton?
- How does Lin-Manuel Miranda use historical events to create dramatic tension between Jefferson and Hamilton?
- What does this letter reveal about Jefferson’s political philosophy, and how does that compare to his portrayal in the musical?
Georgia State ELA Standards & Georgia State Social Studies Standards
ELAGSE11-12RI9: Analyze foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. For British Literature, American Literature, and Multicultural Literature use comparable documents of historical significance.
- Analyze foundational US documents for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features, connecting these to creative interpretations in works like Hamilton.
SSUSH5: SSUSH5 Investigate specific events and key ideas that brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States Constitution.
- Explain the political and economic challenges faced by the new nation, including the ideological divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
Begin with a class discussion comparing Jefferson’s letter to the lyrics of the Tony award-winning musical Hamilton, particularly songs like “Cabinet Battle #1” or “Washington on Your Side.” Students can analyze how Jefferson’s original words align with or differ from his portrayal in the musical. Use excerpts from the letter to explore Jefferson’s rhetoric and political philosophy, focusing on his critiques of Hamilton’s policies. Have students consider how Miranda dramatizes these debates for artistic and educational purposes in the musical. As an extension, students can write their own creative reinterpretation of the Jefferson-Hamilton debates, incorporating historical evidence and themes from the musical.
Students may struggle to reconcile the historical complexity of Jefferson’s beliefs with his portrayal in the musical Hamilton. Teachers should emphasize that the musical is a dramatization that simplifies some aspects of history for storytelling purposes. Sensitive topics such as slavery, which Jefferson is criticized for, may also arise and should be addressed with nuance.
- Hamilton, Alexander. Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, April 15, 1791. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Library of Congress. Accessed December 1, 2024. https://www.loc.gov/item/mjm023816/.
- In his letter to Thomas Jefferson dated April 15, 1791, Alexander Hamilton discusses the establishment of a national bank and addresses concerns regarding its constitutionality. He argues that the creation of such a bank falls within the implied powers of the federal government, as it would facilitate the execution of its enumerated fiscal responsibilities.
- Library of Congress. “The Federalist Papers: Primary Documents in American History.” Research Guides. Accessed December 1, 2024.
- https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers.
- The 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support the ratification of the US Constitution.
- American Antiquarian Society. “Historic Children’s Voices.” Accessed December 29, 2024. https://www.americanantiquarian.org/historic-childrens-voices.
- Facing History and Ourselves. “Facing History Foundations: Moving Safely In and Safely Out of Difficult Histories.” Accessed December 29, 2024. https://www.facinghistory.org/learning-events/facing-history-foundations-moving-safely-safely-out-difficult-histories.
- Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “Hamilton and the Founding Era.” Accessed December 29, 2024. https://hamilton.gilderlehrman.org/.
- Jefferson, Thomas. “Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, September 8, 1793.” Founders Online. National Archives. Accessed December 1, 2024. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-27-02-0058.
- In his letter to James Madison dated September 8, 1793, Thomas Jefferson discusses edits to Madison’s “Helvidius” essays, particularly concerning neutrality and the state of political parties. He also reports on the increasing yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia and expresses concerns about French Minister Edmond-Charles Genet’s actions undermining US laws.
- Office of the Historian, “Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796.” Milestones: 1784–1800. U.S. Department of State. Accessed December 1, 2024, https://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/washington-farewell#:~:text=In%20his%20farewell%20address%2C%20Washington,remarks%20have%20served%20as%20an.
- This source is Washington’s Farewell Address to the nation given in 1796 which is considered to be a cornerstone of American politics and urges the American public to avoid factions and to remain united.