Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

A war is a series of battles won.  The American Revolution is no different.  For the colonies and George Washington to beat the larger British military force, individual battles had to be fought.  One victory won by the Patriots early on, did not involve a direct battle.  The Fortification of Dorchester Heights, and the subsequent British Evacuation of Boston, exemplifies the early genius of General Washington and the fortitude of hero Henry Knox.  Join our special guest, Professor Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University and Chair of...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

We all know the Americans won the American Revolution.  But have you stopped to wonder how exactly our smaller army beat the larger professional army of the British and how the series of battles unfolded that led to the eventual British surrender?  On our chat today, we are discussing one of those monumental events-North Carolina’s Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge-and its impact on the outcome of the war. To provide his knowledge of this battle and the Revolutionary War, we are pleased to welcome John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, a teacher at Duke...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

It is that time of year where celebrate the birthday of General George Washington!  Each year around this time our podcast pays tribute to the man Major General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III eulogized as ”First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”     This year, we focus on Washington’s Farewell Address, an incredible example of his oratorical skills and a blueprint for our republic.  In his address, Washington paints a rather cautionary tale on issues that will face our new nation.  Among others, he...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

For 250 years, a debate has carried on over the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. To enlighten us on his new book: “Divided Over the Declaration: How an Enduring Debate Sustains the Vision of America,” we welcome author Tony Williams!

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Through no fault of any of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, some signers are better known than others.  Some are familiar household names while others are a bit more obscure.  One of the lesser-known signers is the subject of our chat this week.  Abraham Clark was a lawyer from New Jersey who signed the Declaration but also served two terms in the United States House of Representatives.  To shed more light on the life and career of Abraham Clark, and the personal sacrifices he made in defense of freedom, we are delighted to welcome Gary...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

When one looks at the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, among the soaring prose and clear indictment against the British crown, one name stands out from the others: John Hancock.  Clearly, we know he was a Founding Father and most know he was the first to sign the great document.  But beyond that, he is one of the least studied of the Founders.  Today, we change that.  To help in this challenge to shed light on him we are delighted to welcome as our  special guest Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University, president of the Colonial...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Perhaps there is no greater archetype of the American Dream than Benjamin Franklin in the founding generation.  A printer’s apprentice, he rose to become a writer, statesman and scientist.  Along the way, he helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution and became our country’s first postmaster general and served as an ambassador to France.  As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday this year, we are delighted to have a chance to chat with Dr. Franklin, wonderfully portrayed by David Holland of the American Historical Theatre.

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Our country is built on a great library of extraordinary documents that framed our new republic in its infancy.  Constituting America always delights in discussing these works.  In that spirit, today we are discussing Thomas Paine’s seminal work, “Common Sense.”  How did the English-born Paine become such an ardent supporter of American independence and what role did his work have in pushing us from mere resistance to revolution?  To discuss this extraordinary document, we are pleased to welcome to the chat Robert McDonald, professor of history at the U.S Military...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Compared to modern record keeping, not all of the details surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence are known.  Case in point, although we know the date, we do not know the specific time of day when it passed and was signed.  Other questions remain such as who offered what changes and were they incorporated in Jefferson’s final draft?  But what we do know is the long-lasting impact this incredible document had that changed the world.  As we kick off the new year, a year in which we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, we are delighted to welcome...

Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Washington.  Adams.  Jefferson.  Madison.  Hamilton.  There are certain Founding Fathers with whom are all very familiar.  But there are also those who are less well-known but not less important.  John Witherspoon is one such historical figure.  Our guest today is Jeffry Morrison, Professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University and Director of Academics at the federal government’s James Madison Foundation.  Dr. Morrison will teach us about this important founder and explain why John Witherspoon is “the most interesting ...