“America, You Great Unfinished Symphony”: Hamilton: An American Musical and the Challenge of Civic Education

Abstract

With widespread, sustained popularity, Hamilton: An American Musical has become a significant resource for and cultural source of American civic education. The wide-ranging assessments of the Broadway phenomenon exemplify contemporary polarized debates over American history and civic education. However, this article argues that the musical’s account of the American founding has potential to address that polarization. Hamilton depicts America as a “great unfinished symphony,” offering an aspirational understanding of American principles and an appreciative account of the founding. Yet it acknowledges the distance between America’s principles and practices, encouraging further reflection by foregrounding the issue of race in American history. Finally, while some scholars criticize its “Great Man” approach to history, the musical invites its audience to consider the role of leaders and the importance of their character in composing the “great unfinished symphony” that is America.