25 episodes

This course covers the opening segment of the traditional American history survey. Its major themes are the character of colonial society; the origins and consequences of the American Revolution, from the Stamp Act controversy to the adoption of the Federal Constitution; the impact of the Revolution on the general population and culture; and (implicitly) the long-term significance of the social and political history of this era for our conceptions of American nationhood, society, and citizenship.

Released with a Creative Commons BY-NC-ND license.

Colonial and Revolutionary America Stanford University

- History

- 29 APR 2009
24. The Protestant Republic (December 5, 2009)

24. The Protestant Republic (December 5, 2009)

Stanford Professor Jack Rakove discusses the difference between the constitutionalization of politics verses politicizing the constitution, and how constitutional interpretation varied dependent upon political convictions. (December 5, 2009)
- 3 sec
- 29 APR 2009
23. Jefferson’s Empire of Liberty (December 3, 2009)

23. Jefferson’s Empire of Liberty (December 3, 2009)

Stanford Professor Jack Rakove discusses the difference between the constitutionalization of politics verses politicizing the constitution, and how constitutional interpretation varied dependent upon political convictions. (December 3, 2009)
- 3 sec
- 29 APR 2009
22. Why the 1790's Matter (December 1, 2009)

22. Why the 1790's Matter (December 1, 2009)

Stanford Professor Jack Rakove discusses the ratification of the US constitution, the legality and legitimacy of this process, and the advent of the new framework for the US government. (December 1, 2009)
- 2 sec
- 22 APR 2009
22. Three Myths About the Constitution (November 21, 2008)

22. Three Myths About the Constitution (November 21, 2008)
- 22 APR 2009
21. James Madison, Thinking (November 19, 2008)

21. James Madison, Thinking (November 19, 2008)

Stanford Professor Jack Rakove discusses the the physical manuscript of the constitution, which shows the political mind at work; it allows us to see how President James Madison intellectually pondered its development. (November 19, 2008)
- 3 sec
- 22 APR 2009
20. Two (Or More) Roads to Philadelphia (November 17, 2008)

20. Two (Or More) Roads to Philadelphia (November 17, 2008)

Stanford Professor Jack Rakove discusses the development of representation and suffrage policy in the constitution and the differing opinions of John and Abigail Adams. (November 17, 2008)
- 3 sec