Professor Donald Brand examines the relationship of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to earlier American political traditions—including the policies of Woodrow Wilson and those of the U.S. Founding Fathers.

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and Franklin's religious beliefs. This lecture continues from the lecture "Benjamin Franklin, Part One."

Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and at the virtues he felt were necessary for democratic government to succeed.

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."

Professor Victor Davis Hanson discusses the United States' military heritage, focusing on its dual use of large armies and small overseas intervention corps, and the U.S. definition of war. Hanson relates this discussion to the current debates over the war in Iraq.

Professor James W. Muller goes through the Federalist #10, reading it to discover how its authors believed the problems of government could be solved and how the document has influenced American history. This lecture continues from the lecture "How to Read Federalist #10, Part One."

Professor James W. Muller goes through the Federalist #10, reading it to discover how its authors believed the problems of government could be solved and how the document has influenced American history.

Professor Richard S. Ruderman explores slavery as a political issue prior to the Civil War, focusing on how it divided both politicians and the public and helped lead to the war. He uses the viewpoint of James Buchanan as a frame, while also looking at the lives, views, and writings of abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass. This lecture continues from the lecture "Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, Part One."

Professor Richard S. Ruderman explores slavery as a political issue prior to the Civil War, focusing on how it divided both politicians and the public and helped lead to the war. He uses the viewpoint of James Buchanan as a frame, while also looking at the lives, views, and writings of abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass.

Professor Ken Masugi explores the nature of civil rights in the American founding and its evolution during and after the Civil War. He moves on to later developments, including the Civil Rights Movement and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This lecture continues from the lecture "Civil Rights in America, Part One."