Revolutionary Mothers

Description

Abigail Adams, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher—their names are prominently linked with the American Revolution. But what about the rank and file of women? Talking History's Linna Place and Carol Berkin discuss Berkin's recent book, Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America's Independence.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select "MP3 Format" under "Revolutionary Mothers."

Spaces of Calculation: Street Addressing and the Making of a Geo-coded World

Description

According to the Library of Congress website, "Street addressing is one of the most basic strategies employed by governmental authorities to tax, police, manage, and monitor the spatial whereabouts of individuals within a population. Despite the central importance of the street address as a "political technology," few scholars have examined the historical and contemporary practice of street addressing with respect to its broader social, political, and ontological implications. When, where, and why did the technique of house numbering historically emerge as a mechanism of spatial ordering? How did it come to be so taken for granted as part of everyday life in post-industrial societies?

In this presentation, Kluge Fellow Reuben Rose-Redwood explores the cultural and political history of street addressing in the United States, from the late 18th century to the present, including the recent shift from rural route and box numbering systems to 911 addresses."

The Ben Franklin Story, Part One Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 12/18/2008 - 13:32
Description

Don Vitale of Archiving Early America narrates an overview of Benjamin Franklin's early life and his scientific, social, and inventive accomplishments prior to the Revolutionary War.

Captioned and uncaptioned versions of the film are available.

The Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation

Description

The National Constitution Center presents veteran film and television writer Jonathan Hennessey discussing his graphic novel The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation, in which Hennessey uses the popular medium of graphic art to illustrate and breathe new life into the U.S. Constitution, the ideas it expresses, and its history.

To listen to this interview, scroll to the December 15, 2008 program.

The Doctrine of Discovery, Native America, and the U.S. Constitution, Part Two

Description

How can U.S. citizens today view Native American history through a Constitutional lens? In answering that question, Bob Miller, Lewis & Clark Law School professor and Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, uncovers the history of Federal Indian Law. Professor Miller describes the Doctrine of Discovery's long reach, from the founding of the colonies through the writing of the Constitution all the way to Russia planting its flag on the Arctic seafloor in 2007.

Liberty, Checks and Balances, and the Constitution, Part Two

Description

Idaho State University Political Science Professor David Gray Adler examines what he describes as the great constitutional crisis of the day: the usurpation and abdication of constitutional roles by President and Congress. Building his argument on the concerns of the Framers, Dr. Adler points to the endangerment to liberty posed by the erosion of checks and balances.

Audio and video options are available.

The Philadelphia Convention

Description

Jack Rakove of Stanford University examines the proceedings of the Philadelphia Convention, focusing specifically on the compromises struck and the reasons for the formation of the Electoral College.

To listen to this lecture, select "The Philadelphia Convention" under "Listen to Dr. Rakove's lectures."