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."

Professor Ken Masugi explores the nature of civil rights in the American founding and its evolution during and after the Civil War. He examines various textual sources to see what arguments were made for and against slavery and equal race relations, both prior to the founding of the U.S. and following it.

Professor Robert Remini follows the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson, considering the great changes that occurred during his lifetime—in literature, religion, the arts, business, science, politics, government, and the presidency itself. This lecture continues from the lecture "Andrew Jackson, Part One."

Professor Robert Remini follows the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson, considering the great changes that occurred during his lifetime—in literature, religion, the arts, business, science, politics, government, and the presidency itself. He begins with a brief digression on the life of John Quincy Adams.

Professor Christopher Flannery examines the prominence of the Declaration of Independence in U.S. history and present life, the context in which it was written, and the intentions of its drafters. He looks at the ethics and morality represented in the document.

To listen to this lecture, select the real audio link for session two.