Professor Clarence Walker reviews the life of ex-slave and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797), using his autobiography as a frame for discussion. He looks at Equiano's experiences of the slave trade and life as both a slave (in North America and other locations) and a free man (in England).

Professor Allan Winkler follows the passage of the 1960s, looking at the social change and unrest in the period and the political and global environment that formed a background to this domestic change. His presentation includes slides and multimedia clips.

To find the lecture, scroll down to the heading "American History Institute," and select a connection type under "Allan Winkler."

Michael Ray narrates a basic introduction to the Battle of the Alamo and popular memory of the battle. The presentation looks briefly at how films and fiction have reimagined the story of the Alamo and distorted historical facts.

Professor Harry V. Jaffa analyzes the text of the Declaration of Independence, focusing particularly on its reference to equality. He interprets equality as resting on freedom of religion and on the separation of church and state—that is, on rejecting individual divine favor as setting anyone above anyone else.

This lecture continues from The Declaration in American History and World History, Part One.

Professor Harry V. Jaffa analyzes the text of the Declaration of Independence, focusing particularly on its reference to equality. He interprets equality as resting on freedom of religion and on the separation of church and state—that is, on rejecting individual divine favor as setting anyone above anyone else.

This lecture continues in The Declaration in American History and World History, Part Two.

Professor Michael Anton traces the trend of U.S. popular cynicism and criticism of government back through the history of the U.S. to the Federalist Papers. He continues further back in time to consider whether the Founders' cynicism was inspired by classical sources such as the Greeks and Machiavelli's The Prince.

This lecture continues from Republicanism: Cynicism and Nobility in Theory and Practice, Part One.

Professor Michael Anton traces the trend of U.S. popular cynicism and criticism of government back through the history of the U.S. to the Federalist Papers. He continues further back in time to consider whether the Founders' cynicism was inspired by classical sources such as the Greeks and Machiavelli's The Prince.

This lecture continues in Republicanism: Cynicism and Nobility in Theory and Practice, Part Two.

Professor Robert Ferrell reexamines popular perception of the 1920s, arguing that, instead of being nationally, a "roaring" decade, it was instead a "staid" decade, though it began an era of change which stretched from 1917 to 1933. He looks at the presidencies during this period, the economy, and foreign policies. This lecture continues from the lecture "Calvin Coolidge and the Staid 1920s."

Professor Alonzo Hamby analyzes the life and presidency of Harry Truman, looking at the popular image of him held today and contemporary public reaction to his presidency. Hamby focuses on Truman's foreign policies and decisions, including his decision to use the atomic bomb at the end of World War II and to initiate the Korean War. This lecture continues from the lecture "Harry S. Truman and the American People, Part One: Domestic Issues and Policies."

Professor Victor Davis Hanson discusses the United States' military heritage, focusing on its dual use of large armies and small overseas intervention corps and on the U.S. definition of war. He relates this discussion to the current debates over the war in Iraq. This lecture continues from the lecture "The American Way of War, Part One."