Let’s celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hamilton with a history quiz that dives into the life of Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, and the musical’s historical context! Since the musical premiered on Broadway on August 6, 2015, this quiz will test your knowledge of both the historical figure and the era, with a nod to the show’s iconic moments. Answer the following 10 questions, and I’ll provide the answers at the end. Ready? Let’s not throw away our shot
Quiz: 10 Years of Hamilton History
- Early Life: In which Caribbean island was Alexander Hamilton born, as referenced in the musical’s opening song, “Alexander Hamilton”?
- A) Jamaica
- B) Nevis
- C) Barbados
- D) St. Croix
- Revolutionary War: Hamilton served as an aide-de-camp to George Washington. What rank did he hold during this time, as mentioned in the musical?
- A) Captain
- B) Major
- C) Lieutenant Colonel
- D) General
- The Schuyler Sisters: In the musical, Angelica Schuyler sings about reading a particular book in “The Schuyler Sisters.” What is it?
- A) Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- B) The Federalist Papers
- C) Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
- D) Rights of Man by Thomas Paine
- Cabinet Battle: Hamilton was the first U.S. Secretary of what department, a role central to his conflicts with Jefferson in the musical’s “Cabinet Battle #1”?
- A) State
- B) Treasury
- C) War
- D) Interior
- The Federalist Papers: How many essays did Hamilton write in The Federalist Papers, as referenced in the musical’s line about writing “like you’re running out of time”?
- A) 29
- B) 51
- C) 68
- D) 85
- Yorktown: In the musical’s “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down),” Hamilton leads an assault on which British stronghold at the Battle of Yorktown?
- A) Redoubt #9
- B) Redoubt #10
- C) Fort Cornwallis
- D) Bunker Hill
- Duel: In the duel with Aaron Burr, depicted in “The World Was Wide Enough,” what did Hamilton reportedly do with his shot, according to historical accounts and the musical?
- A) Fired at Burr and missed
- B) Fired into the air
- C) Fired and hit Burr
- D) Refused to fire
- Legacy: In the musical’s finale, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” Eliza Hamilton is proud of establishing what institution in her husband’s memory?
- A) The National Bank
- B) The Washington Monument
- C) The Orphan Asylum Society
- D) Columbia University
- Musical Milestone: Hamilton won how many Tony Awards in 2016, a fact celebrated during its 10th anniversary coverage?
- A) 8
- B) 11
- C) 13
- D) 16
- Historical Context: The musical highlights Hamilton’s role in the Constitutional Convention. In which year was the U.S. Constitution drafted, as alluded to in “Non-Stop”?
- A) 1776
- B) 1787
- C) 1791
- D) 1800
Answers
- B) Nevis – Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis, as noted in the musical and historical records.
- C) Lieutenant Colonel – Hamilton served as Washington’s aide-de-camp with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
- A) Common Sense by Thomas Paine – Angelica references reading Common Sense in “The Schuyler Sisters.”
- B) Treasury – Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, a key role in the musical’s cabinet battles.
- B) 51 – Hamilton wrote 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers, showcasing his prolific writing.
- B) Redoubt #10 – Hamilton led the assault on Redoubt #10 at Yorktown, a pivotal moment in the musical and history.
- B) Fired into the air – Historical accounts and the musical suggest Hamilton fired into the air, intending not to harm Burr.
- C) The Orphan Asylum Society – Eliza founded the Orphan Asylum Society, highlighted in the musical’s finale.
- B) 11 – Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards in 2016, a major achievement noted in anniversary celebrations.
- B) 1787 – The Constitutional Convention, where Hamilton was a delegate, took place in 1787.
How Did You Do?
- 8-10 Correct: You’re a Hamilton history hero and a scholar! You know your stuff like Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
- 5-7 Correct: Not bad! You’re in the room where it happens, but maybe revisit the cast recording or Ron Chernow’s biography.
- 0-4 Correct: Don’t throw away your shot—brush up on Hamilton and the Founding Father’s life, then try again!
Want to dive deeper? Check out Hamilton on Disney+ or explore original documents about Alexander Hamilton at the National Archives. Let me know your score or if you’d like more Hamilton-inspired quizzes!