​Hamilton vs. History A Fishbowl Debate

​Hamilton vs. History
A Fishbowl Debate

By Isiah Jones

Open Ended

Analysis Question: Based on the information in this chart, predict what Hamilton and Jefferson would do in the following scenario: 

There is a proposal to create a National Bank of the United States.  The power to create this bank is not explicitly listed in the US Constitution, but those who support it cite the elastic clause (which suggests that congress can do anything necessary and proper for the functioning of our nation) as a reason why this bank would be constitutional.  Those who oppose it believe it is an expansion of Federal power therefore dangerous.

Who do you think would be against the bank - Hamilton or Jefferson and why?

Open Ended

Analysis Question: Based on the information in this chart, predict what Hamilton and Jefferson would do in the following scenario: 

There is a proposal to create a National Bank of the United States.  The power to create this bank is not explicitly listed in the US Constitution, but those who support it cite the elastic clause (which suggests that congress can do anything necessary and proper for the functioning of our nation) as a reason why this bank would be constitutional.  Those who oppose it believe it is an expansion of Federal power therefore dangerous.

Who do you think would support the bank - Hamilton or Jefferson and why? 

Hamilton vs Jefferson

Aim: To what extent does Hamilton the musical accurately depict the debate between Hamilton and Jefferson over the National Bank?

Objective: Students will formulate a nuanced historical claim by corroborating primary source documents with a secondary source to assess its validity.

​Exit Ticket Task: Using the information from the document above, and your knowledge of US History complete the following writing prompt:
To what extent does Hamilton the musical accurately depict the debate between Hamilton and Jefferson over the National Bank of the United States? 

• Specifically, how does the song Cabinet Battle # 1 depict the debate between Hamilton and Jefferson? To what extent do you think the song is accurate? 

  • Cite evidence from the lyrics of the song, source #1 (Jefferson’s Opinion - 1791), and source # 2 (Hamilton’s opinion - 1791) to support your claims. 

Historical Context - Cabinet Battle #1 from Hamilton

First Listen: Cabinet Battle # 1: Listen to the song Cabinet Battle #1 from Hamilton the Musical by Lin Manuel-Miranda (2015).  The first time you listen to it, jot your thoughts down in the box.  Use the questions below to help you shape your notes and reflections. Underline key arguments for and against the bank.

• What do you hear? 

• Based on this song, who do you think supports the bank? 

• Based on your first listen to this song, what do you think the relationship was like between Hamilton and Jefferson?

Open Ended

What do you hear? Based on this song, who do you think supports the bank? 

Open Ended

Based on your first listen to this song, what do you think the relationship was like between Hamilton and Jefferson?

The Fishbowl Rules

• Fishbowl Discussion: The Rules

  • INNER CIRCLE: Discusses the questions. Focus on ideas and evidence.

  • OUTER CIRCLE: Actively listens and tracks evidence using your Kit.

  • TAPPING IN: To join, gently tap a shoulder and switch seats.

  • RESPECT: Challenge ideas, not people. Use evidence from the texts.

How We Will Participate: Numbered Heads

• You have a number from 1 to 5.

• Each discussion round, a new number will join the inner circle.

  • Round 1: All 1s & 2s

  • Round 2: All 3s & 4s

  • Round 3: All 5s & Tap-Ins

• Not your turn? You are in the Outer Circle. Be ready to Tap In at any time

Fishbowl Preparation

1. Review the "Cabinet Battle #1" lyrics.

2. Read the Primary Sources (Hamilton & Jefferson).

3. Underline key arguments for and against the bank.

4. Guiding Question: Does the musical accurately portray the real debate?

Round 1 - The Musical's Story

What is Jefferson's main economic argument against the bank, according to the song? (Listen for "We create... you just wanna move our money around").

Round 1 - The Musical's Story

What is Hamilton's main economic argument for the bank, according to the song? (Listen for "a new line of credit, a financial diuretic").

Round 2 - The Historical Reality

"Compare Jefferson's primary source to his lyrics. What is the main constitutional argument from his writing that is missing from the song?"

Round 2 - The Historical Reality

Compare Hamilton's primary source to his lyrics. What is the main constitutional argument from his writing that is missing from the song?

Round 3 - The Final Verdict

Jefferson raps, 'In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground. We create. You just wanna move our money around.' What does this reveal about his vision for America's economy and identity?

Round 3 - The Final Verdict

Hamilton fires back, 'A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor, your debts are paid cuz you don't pay for labor.' Why is this such a powerful personal attack, and how does it shift the debate?

Poll

Overall, is Hamilton a good source for learning the facts of this debate, or for understanding the stakes of this debate?

• Facts

• Stakes

• Both

Open Ended

What was the most compelling piece of primary source evidence you heard today?

Open Ended

By turning this into a rap battle... what does the musical gain as entertainment? What does it lose as a history lesson?