America’s Founding Fathers

Overview

Historian and Professor Allen C. Guelzo reveals how America’s Founding Fathers played their own unique roles in shaping the grand story of the U.S. Constitution. This course examines the intricate historical context surrounding the founding of the United States.

Course Details

The U.S. Constitution is the oldest, continually-operating instrument of government in the world. This course offers a comprehensive deep dive into the creation of the Constitution and the remarkable men behind it. In 36 enlightening lectures, you’ll explore:

• The ideals affirmed by the Founders and the historical lessons they studied.
• The complexities of slavery within the context of the Constitution.
• Unique perspectives on both well-known and lesser-known Founding Fathers.

Professor Guelzo guides you through significant events, from the closing days of the American Revolution to the opening decades of the new nation, incorporating debates about human nature and societal flourishing.

Video Lessons

1. George Washington’s Doubts (31 min)

• Washington’s fears about the post-Revolutionary America.

1. Thomas Mifflin’s Congress (26 min)

• The challenges faced in the early Congress under the Articles of Confederation.

1. Robert Morris’s Money (28 min)

• The economic issues affecting the new nation and Morris’s strategies.

1. Benjamin Franklin’s Leather Apron (27 min)

• Franklin’s multifaceted contributions to the early republic.

1. Thomas Jefferson’s Books (31 min)

• The influence of Enlightenment thinkers on Jefferson’s ideology.

1. Daniel Shays’s Misbehavior (27 min)

• The events of Shays’s Rebellion and its significance for governance.

1. Alexander Hamilton’s Republic (29 min)

• Hamilton’s vision for the American Republic and its complexities.

1. James Madison’s Conference (27 min)

• Madison’s role in organizing the transformative conference of 1786.

1. Patrick Henry’s Religion (30 min)

• Henry’s contradictions and his stance on religious and civil liberties.

1. James Madison’s Vices (32 min)

• The challenges outlined by Madison regarding the political system.

1. Edmund Randolph’s Plan (29 min)

• The proposal to create a new form of government at the Constitutional Convention.

1. William Paterson’s Dissent (30 min)

• Paterson’s arguments for a simpler amendment to the Articles.

1. Roger Sherman’s Compromise (30 min)

• How Sherman’s compromise resolved key debates at the Convention.

1. Elbridge Gerry’s Committee (29 min)

• The Grand Committee’s work to create a unified document.

1. James Wilson’s Executive (30 min)

• The debates surrounding the executive branch in the new government.

1. John Rutledge’s Committee (29 min)

• The role of Rutledge’s committee in shaping the national executive.

1. Rufus King’s Slaves (30 min)

• The contradictions of liberty and slavery in early America.

1. David Brearley’s Postponed Parts (31 min)

• The resolution of contentious issues at the Constitutional Convention.

1. John Jay’s Treaty (30 min)

• The political fallout from the treaty with Great Britain.

1. John Adams’s Liberty (30 min)

• Adams’s challenges as he transitioned from vice president to president.

1. Hector Saint John de Crevecoeur’s Americans (31 min)

• Crevecoeur’s insights on the American character and identity.

1. Timothy Dwight’s Religion (31 min)

• The role of religion in shaping American values during this era.

1. The Populist Revolt (30 min)

• The rise of the Populist movement and its demands for reform.

1. Benjamin Banneker’s Survey (29 min)

• Banneker’s contributions to establishing the nation’s capital.

1. The Economics of Global Climate Change (32 min)

• Exploring America’s role as the central hub of globalization.

1. Globalization in Goods and Services (32 min)

• The dynamics of globalization and its economic implications.

1. A New Golden Age of American Culture (30 min)

• The cultural developments during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

1. The American Civil War: A Synthesis (29 min)

• Understanding the Civil War’s impact on the nation’s trajectory.

1. War and Peace: The Constitution’s Legacy (31 min)

• How the Constitution shaped America’s military engagements.

1. Today’s Struggles: A Reflection on Founding Ideals (30 min)

• An analysis of contemporary challenges in light of founding principles.