On April 20^th, 2016, the U.S. Treasury confirmed that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson as the figure on the $20 bill. This news comes a few months after the Treasury announced a motion to replace Alexander Hamilton, the primary figure of the $10 bill, with a woman. The altered decision likely comes as a result of recent fanfare over the new, extremely popular Broadway musical, Hamilton.

The removal of Andrew Jackson was quite justifiable. Aside from the general corruption of his presidency, Jackson was notorious for his genocidal attacks on Native Americans. Although some would argue that his military achievements against the British during the War of 1812 rationalize his status as a historical figure, his steadfast efforts to disband the Second National Bank during his presidency clearly show that he has no place on any unit of currency.

Alexander Hamilton has always been a relatively controversial figure to have on the $10 bill. He was not a president of the United States, and he was not quite as instrumental as Benjamin Franklin in the construction of our country. Further, his notorious death in a shooting duel against Aaron Burr has tarnished his reputation to an extent. Regardless, as the creator of the U.S. Treasury, it makes sense that Alexander Hamilton retains his spot on such an important denomination of currency.

Harriet Tubman undoubtedly deserves recognition on American currency for her efforts to free thousands of Americans from the oppression of slavery in the South. Although she was illiterate, her successful actions as the leader of the Underground Railroad were invaluable, and especially remarkable because of the lack of support she received from the Northern authorities. She was able to counteract the unbridled suffering that pervaded American culture, and influenced the Civil Rights efforts in the mid-twentieth century that continue today as African-Americans maintain their struggle to obtain true cultural equality.

Whether or not a Broadway musical was the true cause that prevented Alexander Hamilton from removal on the $10 bill, one thing is for sure: Andrew Jackson pales in comparison to Harriet Tubman in their demonstration of American ideals.