Second Jefferson Administration, The
Historian Peter Onuf explores Thomas Jefferson's strategy of using "aggressive commercial diplomacy" (in the form of an embargo and sanctions) as an alternative to war.
Resistance and Rebellion
Historian and author Ira Berlin explains that slaveholders were generally able to prevail upon non-slaveholders to help them squelch resistance among the slave population. "But ultimately," Professor Berlin notes, "...slavery is destroyed by what we...
Great Black Migration, The
Professor of American studies and history Matthew Frye Jacobson talks about "the great Black migration" from the rural south to the urban north, and credits this for the ultimate acceptance enjoyed by white immigrant groups.
Great Division in the 1790's, The
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the deep divisions in the United States concerning how the U.S. should align itself regarding the French Revolution. "The stakes were extremely high," Professor Onuf says. "This was not gratuitous thinking about some...
Ratification Debate, The
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about the importance of the ratification debate for the eventual success of the United States Constitution. "Once it was clear that there would be amendments to it that would carry the principles of the Anti...
Racism During World War II (Part One)
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about what he calls one of the great ironies of World War II and the twentieth century. "On the one hand," Professor Gerstle explains, "...the illegitimacy of racial prejudice was put before the American peopl...
Relationship Between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, The
Historian Peter Onuf explores the complicated personal relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Professor Onuf explains that the two worked very closely for years, but then went through a period of strained relations after Jefferson cha...
Racism During World War II (Part Two)
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about the nexus between American cinema's treatment of World War II and the issue of racism during the War. Professor Gerstle notes that African-Americans were largely absent from Steven Spielberg's landmark f...
Rising Tide of Opposition, A
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about why the British were not successful in overcoming American resistance in the early part of the Revolutionary War. He credits George Washington for his military leadership and also acknowledges the impo...
Rise of George Washington, The
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about the role George Washington played in the growth and development of the early United States. Professor Bailyn attributes much of Washington's success, both on the battlefield and as President, to his pe...