The most popular programs for the Early American History (1600-1850) Tag http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?topic=158 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 20 May 2013 16:23:33 GMT Guests talked about the life and influence of first lady Martha Washington. They responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Among the topics addressed were her early life in Williamsburg, Virginia; Mount Vernon and her relationship with George Washington; her role in the Revolutionary War; life during the presidency and after retirement; and her relationships with other notable figures such as Abigail Adams. This was the first presentation in the C-SPAN series "First Ladies: Influence and Image." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310724-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310724-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Historian Gordon Wood talked about his life, career, and his books on the American Revolution, the making of the Constitution, and the importance of historical study. He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. A video was shown from earlier in the week as he gave a tour of his office in his home in Providence, Rhode Island, and his nearby office at Brown University. He talked about his writing and research methods. Professor Brown also reacted to a video clip of Ralph Nader talking about Benjamin Franklin during his "In Depth" interview on August 1, 2010. Gordon Wood is the award-winning author of several books including [The Creation of the American Republic 1776 - 1787] (1969), winner of the Bancroft and John H. Dunning prizes, and [The Radicalism of the American Revolution] (1992), which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993. Gordon Wood has taught at William and Mary, Harvard, the University of Michigan and Cambridge. He is Alva O. Way University Professor Emeritus at Brown University. His other books include: [Revolution and the Political Integration of the Enslaved and Disenfranchised] (1974); [The Making of the Constitution] (1987); [The American Revolution: A History] (2001); [The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin] (2004); [Revolutionary Characters: What Made the Founders Different] (2006); [The Purpose of the Past: Reflections of the Uses of History] (2008); [Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815] (2010). http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295328-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295328-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Gordon Wood talked about his book [Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815] (Oxford University Press, USA (October 28, 2009). In his book he presents a history of the United States from 1789 to the end of the War of 1812. Professor Wood recalls the debates that occurred over the future of the young country as many wished to replicate the fiscal and military strength of France and Britain and others were resolute on a rural, agricultural model. He also reports that founders of the national government disliked the idea of political parties and wished to see the demise of slavery in the North. Professor Wood also responded to questions from members of the audience at this event on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 6:00 p.m. at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, Rhode Island. Gordon Wood is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of several books including [The Creation of the American Republic 1776 - 1787] and [The Radicalism of the American Revolution]. Mr. Wood is the Alva O. Way University Professor at Brown University where he has taught history since 1969. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289534-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289534-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Alan Talyor presents a history of the War of 1812. Mr. Taylor recalls the over two-year war between America and Britain that ended in a stalemate but established a defined boundary between the United States and Canada and put to rest any remnants of the American Revolution. The author also examines the disregard for the region's Native American population following the war. Alan Taylor discussed his book at the Jefferson Library at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, Virgina. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297064-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297064-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Historian Gordon Wood talked about the Founding Fathers' attitudes and beliefs about aristocracy in America, where "titles of nobility" are prohibited by the Constitution, but where aristocratic elements of privilege and power nevertheless have survived. The men who espoused the radical idea that all are created equal shared the tradition of British aristocracy, and Professor Emeritus Wood examined how their beliefs differed from or mirrored those held in England, which beliefs have lingered, and what their effects have been. He responded to questions from members of the audience. Professor Berkin moderated. "Aristocracy and the Founders" was a program held Monday, December 7, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium. It was the final program in a series on the nature of aristocracy and America's fascination with royalty, held in conjunction with the "Diana: A Celebration" traveling exhibition about the life and work of the Princess of Wales. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290798-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290798-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Edith Gelles and Jim Taylor talked about the life and influence of first lady Abigail Adams and responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Others spoke in videos from several building in the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, and from the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston. Topics included her relationship with and influence upon her husband, the story of her life and raising her family, the importance to history of her letters, and her role in the history of America and of women. This was the second presentation in the C-SPAN series "First Ladies: Influence and Image." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310725-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310725-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Professor Ferling talked about his book [Adams Vs. Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800], published by Oxford University Press. Professor Ferling discussed the formation of political parties in the U.S. prior to the election of 1800. He spoke about the political activities and personalities of the Federalist and Republican Parties. He spoke about the contentious election of 1800, contrasted the candidates and their stance on a number of issues, and addressed the impact of the growing political press on the election. Professor Ferling spoke about the limited number of eligible voters in the election and contrasted politics in the Early Republic to those of the U.S. today. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183137-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/183137-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pauline Maier presents a history of the ratification process of the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Maier recounts the year-long debates that took place throughout the country following the 1787 Constitutional Convention as the newly released document was pored over by the citizenry. Pauline Maier discussed the debate over the Constitution in the four key states of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York for the noon lecture series at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where she also responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296482-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296482-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Richard Brookhiser talked about his life and career. He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. A video clip was shown of Mr. Brookhiser working in his home in New York City and talking about his writing process. Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor at the [National Review], where he has worked since 1977. He had a column at the [New York Observer] for 20 years, ending in 2007, and currently writes a column for [American History]. Mr. Brookhiser wrote and hosted PBS documentaries on George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. He also curated an Alexander Hamilton exhibition at the New York Historical Society in 2004-2005. Mr. Brookhiser was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2008 and the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2011. Richard Brookhiser is the author of 11 books: [The Outside Story: How Democrats and Republican Re-Elected Reagan] (1986); [The Way of the WASP] (1991); [Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington] (1996); [Rules of Civility: The 110 Precepts that Guided Our First President in War and Peace] (1997); [Alexander Hamilton, American] (1999); [America's First Dynasty: The Adamses, 1735-1918] (2002); [Gentleman Revolutionary: Gouverneur Morris, the Rake Who Wrote the Constitution] (2003); [What Would the Founding Fathers Do?: Our Questions, Their Answers] (2006); [George Washington on Leadership] (2008); [Right Time, Right Place: Coming of Age with William F. Buckley, Jr. and the Conservative Movement] (2009); and [James Madison] (2011). http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304896-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304896-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Author and historian Pauline Maier talked about her work and her life and career. She responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology history professor, she has written several text books on the Revolutionary period and four popular books on the era: [From Resistance to Revolution: Colonial Radicals and the Development of American Opposition to Britain, 1765-1776] (1972); [The Old Revolutionaries: Political Lives in the Age of Samuel Adams] (1980); [American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence] (1998); and [Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788] (2010). http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298016-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298016-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ms. Appleby discussed her book [Inheriting the Revolution: The First Generation of Americans], published by Harvard University Press. The book examines the legacy of the Americans who lived between 1776 and 1830, analyzing how the first generation of Americans born into that new world transformed the principles of the revolution into reality. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157235-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157235-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Robert Remini, historian of the U.S. House of Representatives, presents a history of the Compromise of 1850 brokered between the North and South by Kentucky Senator Henry Clay. The Compromise was born from a debate between Northern and Southern politicians who argued whether America's newest states, gained following the Mexican war, should be free or allow slavery. The Compromise collapsed ten years after it's agreement and led to the South's succession. Robert Remini discussed his book at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the opening of the "Discovering the Civil War" exhibit which launches the sesquicentennial commemoration of the war's beginning. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294475-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294475-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Dr. Young talked about his book, [The Shoemaker and the Tea Party], published by Beacon Press. The book examines George Twelve Hewes, a participant in the Boston Tea Party, and how events like the Boston Tea Party become ingrained in popular memory and history. Dr. Young talked about the role of common citizens in the American Revolution. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/153825-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/153825-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Harlow Unger presented a history of the Boston Tea Party, which occurred on December 16, 1773. The author reports that the demonstration against the British collection of import duties was composed "mostly of smugglers and tax evaders" and led by lawyer James Otis, Jr., and brewer Sam Adams. Mr. Unger recounts that the protests spread throughout the country and included assaults against opponents of the protests, which spurred George Washington to declare the protesters vandals. Harlow Unger recalled the Boston Tea Party at Barnes & Noble in New York City. He responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298837-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298837-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Guests talked about the life and influence of First Lady Dolley Madison, focusing on her role in Washington society, her years as first lady (1809-1817), and activities in Washington after her husband's death. Locations for filming were the Red Room of the White House to hear the stories of her political parties, the Blue Room where she watched the smoke of British troops on the horizon as they advanced to the White House in 1814, her Virginia country estate of Montpelier, and the Dolley Todd house in Philadelphia. Guests also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications from viewers. This was the third presentation in the C-SPAN series "First Ladies: Influence and Image." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310726-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310726-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Wood talked about his latest book [The American Revolution: A History]. The book is a synthesis of several treatments and approaches of the subject, offering a comprehensive of the events that led to the founding of the United States. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/168964-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/168964-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT William Hogeland recalls the nine weeks leading up to the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. He focuses on the debate between the "reconciliationists" led by Pennsylvanian John Dickinson, who wished to remain part of the British Empire, and those who sought independence and were roused into action by Samuel Adams and John Adams of Massachusetts. Mr. Hogeland reports on how the Adams-led independents overturned Pennsylvania's reconiliationist government and how this turn of events progressed to the Continental Congress. William Hogeland discussed his book at a Noontime Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He also sang a folk song, using a banjo. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294703-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294703-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mark Stein talked about his book [How States Got Their Shapes] (Smithsonian Books/Collins), which explains how American states' borders were drawn and why they have their current shapes. Topics included the influence of the Erie Canal on the shapes of Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and the sizes of Texas and California. Following his remarks, Mr. Stein responded to questions from the audience. Mark Stein is a screenwriter and playwright. He has taught writing and drama at Catholic University and American University. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280304-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/280304-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mark Dimunation talked about [The Federalist Papers]. The collection of 85 essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay were written in 1787-88 to encourage the states to ratify the United States Constitution. The [Federalist Papers] continue to be cited in legislative and legal proceedings. This was a Constitution Week noon gallery talk for the "Creating the United States" exhibition in the Southwest Gallery of the Library of Congress. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295458-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295458-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Steven Johnson talked about [The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America] (Riverhead; December 26, 2008). The book recounts the life of Joseph Priestly, scientist and theologian, who discovered oxygen and played a key role in the founding of the Unitarian Church. Joseph Priestly was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin and walked in the same social circles as many of the Founding Fathers who, according to the author, thought highly of him. Joseph Priestly conducted an experiment that led to his discovery of the existence of oxygen on August 1, 1774. Mr. Johnson responded to questions from member of the audience following his presentation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283175-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/283175-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Bailyn talked about his book [To Begin the World Anew: The Genius and Ambiguities of the American Founders], published by Alfred A. Knopf. The book had five essays that focused on the creative imagination of the nation's founders, whom Professor Bailyn believed to be idealists as much as realists. He emphasized how the Framers' provincialism allowed them to spring free of European modes of thought to create something genuinely new. Professor Bailyn used pictures to reveal the different aspirations and bearing of the British and founding gentry. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/174896-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/174896-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Leo Damrosch, the Ernest Bernbaum Professor of Literature at Harvard University, recalls Alexis De Tocquville's nine-month travels throughout the United States from 1831-1832. De Tocquville's writings on Jacksonian America presented a changing social and political landscape where the French visitor applauded much of American culture but was critical of slavery and materialism. Mr. Damrosch presents his book that includes letters and papers that have never appeared in English at Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293500-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293500-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon Wood presented a series of essays that examines the underpinnings of the American Revolution. Mr. Wood explored the origins of American exceptionalism, the Founders' belief in the universality of the revolution, and the radicalism of republicanism in the 18th century. Gordon Wood discussed his essays in conversation with author and historian Jay Winik at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300328-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300328-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Foner discussed his book, [The Story of American Freedom], published by W.W. Norton and Company. He talked about the ideological conflicts of the American Revolution and the U.S. Civil War and the shifts in thought about definitions of freedom and to whom it should apply. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/113124-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/113124-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Maya Jasanoff presents a history of Americans loyal to the British Empire following the Revolutionary War. The author recounts that 60,000 or 1 in 40 Americans were loyalists and feared retribution following America's victory in their war for independence. Ms. Jasanoff reports that many loyalists fled their homes for other locales under the British Empire, including Canada, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Britain. Maya Jasanoff discussed her book at the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298464-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298464-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Thomas Kidd recounts the role religion played in the American Revolution. Professor Kidd contends that it was the belief in the right to worship freely that brought the colonists together, from conservative evangelists to liberal deists, and remained a cohesive element following the Revolutionary War. Thomas Kidd presented his book at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295712-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295712-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Jeffrey Thompson showed and described his illustrations for a new edition of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem, [The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere], published by the National Geographic Society. He read the entire poem as images of his illustrations were shown. Following his reading, he talked about the illustrations and his book. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157877-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/157877-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The duel in Weehawken, New Jersey between Alexander Hamilton and Vice-President Aaron Burr was re-enacted on its 200th anniversary. On July 11, 1804, Hamilton was mortally wounded by Burr's shot during the duel, and died 31 hours later at a friend's home in Manhattan on July 12, 1804. The city of Weehawken is located on the Hudson River opposite New York City. Hamilton and Burr had to go there as dueling in New York was illegal. Both Hamilton and Burr were portrayed by family descendants. Residents of the town played other parts and narrated the re-enactment, including the history of the time period, Hamilton, Burr, the reasons for the duel, and the duel's aftermath. Carl Rubino portrayed Hamilton's second, Nathaniel Pendleton. Peter Tavino portrayed Burr's second, William Van Ness. Stuart Johnson portrayed Dr. David Hosack. Ms. Chammas sang the national anthem. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182637-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/182637-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Robert Hirst, general editor of the Mark Twain Project at the University of California, Berkeley, recounts the recent publication of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume One published 100 years after the author's death. Mr. Hirst described the work involved in preparing the book for publication, gave his thoughts on its success, and responded to the criticism the book has received. After his slide-filled presentation, Mr. Hirst responded to questions submitted by members of the audience. "'Finding' Mark Twain's Autobiography" was part of the Spring Lecture Series of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute @ Berkeley, University of California. It was held at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center in Lafayette, California. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299046-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299046-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Authors talked about the belief that guns are needed to stave off government tyranny. Mr. Horowitz argued that the belief is fundamentally incorrect and that insurrectionists are the real threat to freedom. Then Mr. Churchill talked about libertarian concerns and the origins and growth of the militia movement in the principle that the people must be willing and able to resist tyranny. He also talked about the politics of fear. After remarks made in rebuttal, both authors responded to questions from members of the audience. Joshua Horowitz is the co-author, with Casey Anderson, of [Guns, Democracy, and the Insurrectionist Idea] (University of Michigan Press; April 29, 2009). Mr. Horowitz is executive director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. An attorney, he was a visiting scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Robert Churchill is the author of [To Shake Their Guns in the Tyrant's Face: Libertarian Political Violence and the Origins of the Militia Movement] (University of Michigan Press; March 3, 2009). He is an associate professor of early American history at Hartford University and has published numerous articles on the American Revolution and American political violence. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287623-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/287623-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Guests examined the history of the American Revolution and Early Republic through the writings of Thomas Paine. His [Common Sense] and [The Age of Reason] were influential in shaping republican philosophy in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Also highlighted were several documents housed in the Thomas Paine museum located near Paine's former home in New Rochelle, New York. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/163160-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/163160-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Harlow Unger recounts the life of Patrick Henry, known for his declaration, "give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry was an early advocate of the the decision to declare war against the British and a critical voice against the size of the American government following the Revolution. Mr. Unger examines the political career of the four-term governor of Virginia who declined several positions in the national government, including as a senator, chief justice of the Supreme Court, and secretary of state, due to his steadfast criticism of big government. Harlow Unger discussed his book at Red Hill, The Patrick Henry Memorial in Brookneal, Virginia. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296969-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/296969-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Dressed in period costume, scholars portraying Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton debated their views of democracy, talked about the founding of the nation, and answered questions about modern politics. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/161239-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/161239-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Elizabeth Varon talked about her book [Disunion!: The Coming of the American Civil War, 1789-1859] (The University of North Carolina Press; October 22, 2008). In her book, the first volume of the [Littlefield History of the Civil War Era], Professor Varon recounts the years preceding the American Civil War, 1759-1859, and the public debates surrounding the possibility of an ununited country. Ms. Varon examines the political rhetoric of the time, which included the commonly invoked word "disunion" that signaled fear of the future for some and for others the means to achieve partisan success. Professor Varon responded to audience members' questions following her remarks. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282900-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/282900-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Chomsky examined the principle and practice of democracy in the U.S. over the past 200 years. He argued that the democratic order encapsulated in the Constitution, principally by James Madison, declared the right to own property as the preeminent foundation of the social order and was therefore designed to protect those who owned property by ensuring their control over the government. He also argued that this system has not evolved to include broader segments of the population, as some have claimed, but has made possible the development of industrial capitalism which depends on governmental largesse and exploits the bulk of the population. After his remarks, he took questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/80140-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/80140-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Leo Damrosch talked about his book [Tocqueville's Discovery of America] (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010). He followed Alexis de Tocqueville's nine-month travels throughout the United States from 1831-1832 and examined Tocqueville's subsequent book, [Democracy in America]. Tocqueville's writings on Jacksonian America presented a changing social and political landscape where the French visitor applauded much of American culture but was critical of slavery and materialism. In his book Professor Damrosch included letters and papers that had never before appeared in English. Video clips from the 1997-98 C-SPAN series on Tocqueville's travels were shown. Leo Damrosch is the Ernest Bernbaum Professor of Literature at Harvard University. His previous books feature Rousseau, James Boswell, and Samuel Johnson. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294006-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294006-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Edna Greene Medford and Taylor Stoermer talked about the life and influence of first ladies Anna Harrison, Letitia Tyler, and Julia Tyler. They responded to telephone calls and electronic communications.*Among the topics addressed were the short presidency of William Henry Harrison, the death of Letitia Taylor in the White House, and the president's marriage to Julia Gardiner and her role as first lady. Julia Gardiner Tyler was known as an outwardly social first lady who brought European dancing to the White House and cultivated a public image as a trend-setter. She also helped in her husband's efforts to annex Texas. Christopher Leahy spoke by telephone about his work editing her papers. Video was shown from Colonial Williamsburg and the Tyler's Sherwood Forest plantation home in Charles City, Virginia. Harrison Tyler and his wife Payne spoke in videos recorded at Sherwood Forest. This was the sixth installment in the C-SPAN series "First Ladies: Influence and Image." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310730-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/310730-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Brion McClanahan examines the U.S. Constitution and presented his thoughts on the authors of the document's original intentions and whether its current interpretation should be rigid or flexible. Mr. McClanahan researched the public arguments of the founding generation beyond the Federalist Papers. He contended that the nation's Founders were in support of Congress as the dominant branch of the government, against a large, national government, and drafted the Constitution to support rather than weaken the states. Brion McClanahan spoke at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304678-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/304678-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Historians David and Jeanne Heidler recount the life of the "the Western Star," Henry Clay. The youngest speaker of the House and long time U.S. Senator from Kentucky who served under ten presidents. The Heidler's recall Clay's personal life, which included his fifty-three year marriage and eleven children and his political exploits from his significant role in the Great Compromise to his five unsuccessful campaigns for the presidency. David and Jeanne Heidler presented their book at Ashlands, The Henry Clay Estate, in Lexington, Kentucky. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294176-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294176-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Christopher Hitchens talked about his book [Thomas Jefferson: Author of America], published by HarperCollins in its Eminent Lives series. He described both the public and private lives of Thomas Jefferson, including Jefferson's positions on the Enlightenment, nation building, and slavery. He emphasized Jefferson's tremendous influence on the U.S. Revolution and the future United States, such as the Louisiana Purchase. After his presentation Mr. Hitchens answered audience members' questions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192370-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/192370-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Guests examined the history of the pre-revolutionary era and Early Republic through the writings of Benjamin Franklin, publisher, scientist and early-American diplomat. Franklin wrote a number of books, including his [Autobiography] and [Poor Richard's Almanack]. Also highlighted in the program are the city of Philadelphia and the American Philosophical Society, founded by Franklin in 1743. The society holds many documents written or created by Franklin. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/163159-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/163159-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Joshua Kendall recounts the life of Noah Webster (1758-1843) who published the American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828, the forgoer of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Mr. Kendall argues that Mr. Webster was more than just America's greatest lexicographer, but was also a Founding Father who helped define American culture. He talked about Mr. Webster's political career as state representative for Massachusetts and Connecticut, his circle of friends, which included George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and his tenure as editor of the American Minerva, New York's first daily newspaper. He responded to questions from members of the audience. Joshua Kendall spoke at the Connecticut Historical Society and Museum in Hartford at an event co-sponsored by the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society and made possible by a grant from the Greater Hartford Arts Council. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299402-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299402-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Richard Brookhiser recounted the life of President James Madison (1751-1836), the fourth American president. The author examined his influence in the framing of the U.S. Constitution, collaboration on the Federalist Papers, development of the Republican Party, and his command of troops during the War of 1812. Mr. Brookhiser responded to questions from members of the audience at this Constitution Day celebration by the National Archives in Washington, D.C. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301621-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301621-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Author Henry Wiencek discussed his book, [Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves], in which he reports that Jefferson sought financial gain through the ownership and labor of his slaves, what America's third president called "silent profits." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/308504-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/308504-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Authors talked about their books on the American Revolution and role played by religion in the founding of the United States. They also responded to questions from members of the audience. Tatiana van Riemsdijk moderated. The participating authors were: Barbara Clark Smith, author of [The Freedoms We Lost: Consent and Resistance in Revolutionary America]; John Fea, author of [Was America Founded As a Christian Nation?]; and John Ragosta, author of [Wellspring of Liberty: How Virginia's Religious Dissenters Helped Win the American Revolution and Secured Religious Liberty]. "Founding Fathers and Religion" was a panel at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Virginia, held in the City Council Chambers on Friday, March 18, 2011. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298562-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/298562-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Political philosopher Professor Mansfield talked about his translation of Alexis de Tocqueville's [Democracy in America], published by the University of Chicago Press. Professor Mansfield and Delba Winthrop translated, edited, and wrote an introduction for the new edition, the third translation since the original two-volume work was published in 1835 and 1840. Alexis de Tocqueville was a French aristocrat, who came to the United States in the 1830s primarily to study the prison systems, but who became fascinated with American life, politics, and morals. Mr. Tocqueville based his book on observations, reading, and discussions with American citizens. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159774-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/159774-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Historian H.W. Brands profiled Aaron Burr, the former vice president to Thomas Jefferson. Aaron Burr is most remembered for killing former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in a duel on July 11, 1804. H.W. Brands presented a collection of letters between Burr and his daughter, Theodosia, that recount his political ascendancy and downfall. Audience questions were taken by the speaker. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305950-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305950-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Richard Beeman talked about his book [Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution] (Random House; March 17, 2009). His book has a day-by-day account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. He explores the contentious debate that took place in the shaping of the document and profiles the men who engaged in its writing. Professor Beeman talked on stage about some of the key people, including those he thinks should be more well-known, and some of the issues, such as slavery. He was interviewed by Joe Torsella. He also answered questions from members of the audience. Richard Beeman is the author of several books on history, including [Varieties of Political Experience in Eighteenth-Century America]. Professor Beeman is a trustee and vice-chair of the Distinguished Scholars Panel of the National Constitution Center. This program was held on March 23, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall Overlook of the National Constitution Center. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286321-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/286321-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Howard Means recounts the life of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. The author reports that the often mythologized John Chapman (1774-1845) was a land speculator whose westward travels assisted in paving the way for future settlers. As was typical of the apples of the day, the famously planted orchards bore sour fruit better suited to producing hard cider than eating. Mr. Means relays that Mr. Chapman was a vegetarian and pacifist as well an evangelist for the Church of New Jerusalem. Howard Means recounted the life of Johnny Appleseed at the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum at Urbana University, where he did some of his research for the book. He responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299228-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/299228-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens moderated a discussion on the crucial 1803 case of [Marbury v. Madison] that established a judicial right to review whether legislation is constitutional. Cliff Sloan and David McKean talked about the case and its judicial legacy, as well as the ideas presented in their book [The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court], to be published by PublicAffairs. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/284332-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/284332-1 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT