Alexander Hamilton Is A Musical, But Did He Screw Up America?

Alexander Hamilton is the subject of a hit Broadway musical, the face on the ten-dollar bill, and one of the most popular Founding Fathers. But what do you really know about Alexander Hamilton?

In this interview with author and historian Brion McClanahan, he argues that Alexander Hamilton was no American hero. Brion says that America’s beloved Hamilton actually spent most of his life working to make sure citizens and states could not hold the federal government accountable. His policies set a path for presidents to launch secret and illegal wars, and he wanted to make sure American citizens couldn’t do a thing to stop the government’s overreach. Alexander Hamilton was a duplicitous man whose personality and ambition led to an America and a Constitution at odds with the one he publicly supported in 1788 and that the American public bought as a result.

Alexander Hamilton’s enigmatic legacy challenges conventional wisdom. Revered by many, he is the star of a blockbuster musical, a constant presence in our wallets, and a prominent figure among the Founding Fathers. Nevertheless, as we delve into this interview with author and historian Brion McClanahan, a different narrative emerges.

McClanahan boldly asserts that Alexander Hamilton, rather than being an American hero, dedicated most of his life to undermining the capacity of citizens and states to hold the federal government accountable. His policies paved the way for presidents to embark on clandestine and often illegal military ventures, all while seeking to curtail the power of ordinary Americans to check government excess.

Hamilton’s complex character and ambitious agenda led to an America and a Constitution that deviated from the ideals he ostensibly endorsed in 1788. McClanahan’s perspective is a thought-provoking lens through which we can reassess the legacy of this enigmatic Founding Father. To truly grasp the multifaceted nature of American history and the Constitution, we must confront the nuances of Alexander Hamilton’s contributions,

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Check out his book: Amazon

Brion’s website

TO HELP OUT THE SHOW

• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher