Successors to George Washington
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn analyzes the abilities of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who served as the third and fourth U.S. presidents respectively. Professor Bailyn explains that Jefferson was a good administrator and an excellent pol...
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...
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...
Adams Presidency, The
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the high points as well as the shortcomings of the John Adams presidency. On the downside, President Adams had to contend with an extremely disloyal Cabinet, consisting largely of holdovers from the second Washington...
American Revolution,The : A Global Event
Historian Peter Onuf says it's not as important to focus on the individual battles of American Revolution, The , as it is to understand the continent-wide enthusiasm they inspired for the war. Even more important, Professor Onuf explains, is that, "...
Washington, Jefferson and the French Revolution
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about the challenge facing the United States (and Thomas Jefferson, in particular) when the French Revolution turned especially violent and brutal. Professor Bailyn explains that Jefferson had been close to ...
Washington Forms the Executive Branch (Part Two)
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn continues his discussion of the challenges facing President Washington as he sought to preside over the federal government during his administration. One of Washington's most difficult challenges was maintaining a...
Washington Forms the Executive Branch (Part One)
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn explains that George Washington realized that some kind of Cabinet structure would be necessary, even though there's nothing about a Cabinet written into the Constitution. President Washington named Thomas Jeffers...