In Hamilton, James Madison complains that “Hamilton’s new financial plan is nothing less than government control.” America’s Founding Fathers were far from united about fiscal policy; divergent approaches continue to shape contemporary politics.
Shows like Newsies, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and I Can Get It For You Wholesale chronicle major moments in US economic history.
Understand: the emphasis on economic autonomy and personal property that was espoused by many of America’s creators through this historical review.
Browse: the materials below highlighting key concepts for this week. You do not need to go through every resource in depth, but should ensure you understand each term – and its significance to US society – well enough to explain them in class.
Explore: America’s Gilded Age through the History article, then review a musical scene set in 1890, in which a group of lower-class workers fantasise about being part of the upper class. (We unfortunately cannot find a good copy of the full scene - but you can listen and read the lyrics, and get a sense of the visuals with the two excerpts.)
Examine: how the labor movement in America is represented in musical theatre through this historical overview of the real-life strike that inspired Newsies, a show set at the end of the Gilded Age, then listen to a key song from the show, paying particular attention to the lyrics.
Highlight: the contradictions of the Roaring Twenties...post-war optimism amidst prohibition, the Harlem Renaissance alongside a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, and more. Also...flappers, as portrayed in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Trace: the history and impacts of the Great Depression through this overview from History, a quick video explainer, and some resources about public reactions.
Reflect: on the role that President Herbert Hoover (and public opinion about the US Government) played during the Great Depression through this article and a lesser-known song from Annie.
Read: The lyrics to two songs from 42nd Street, paying particular attention to how different relationships with money are featured.
Complete: Anthem Analysis #7 by answering the questions below.
