Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

The women who contributed to the founding of our country are often overlooked. Their accomplishments played a vital role in the fledgling nation. One such woman is Abigail Adams. While we can never have a direct conversation with this remarkable woman, we are fortunate that she wrote thousands upon thousands of letters to various correspondents, including over 1,100 letters to her husband while they lived apart in his service to the nation. One of Mrs. Adams' letters is our focus today as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of its writing. This letter is sometimes referred to as her "Remember the Ladies" letter written on March 31, 1776 to her husband, John Adams, and she implored Congress to "remember the ladies" in crafting laws for the new country. To lead this discussion, we are honored to welcome Dr. Diana Carlin, Professor Emerita of Communication at Saint Louis University and president of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).

"Give me liberty or give me death." That singular line proclaimed by Patrick Henry defined our country's founding generation and has become one of the most famous lines in American history. In just 7 words, the ethos of our country and our fierce loyalty to liberty was promulgated. In our chat today, we discuss the events leading up to this famous line and its subsequent impact in our country's history. To offer his expertise on this topic, we are happy to welcome Dr. Thomas Kidd, research professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In recognition of St. Patrick's Day this year, Constituting America is recognizing the role the Irish played in the founding of our country. Did you know 3 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irish-born? Or a sizeable proportion of the Continental Army had Irish ancestry? Since our founding, 23 US Presidents have had Irish blood. To help us recognize the impact the Irish people have had on our country, we are delighted to welcome America 250 Commissioner and former Congressman Joe Crowley to our chat this week.

Due to its position as the 13th American Colony as well as the last colony to support the American Revolution, the role Georgia played in the founding of our country is often overshadowed by colonies like Virginia and Massachusetts. But Georgia should not be overlooked. To shed light on the role Georgia played and its historical significance in the American Revolution and our country's founding, our guest this week is Dr. Stan Deaton. Dr. Deaton is the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at the Georgia Historical Society as well as the Emmy-winning writer and host of "Today in Georgia History."

A war is a series of battles won. The American Revolution is no different. For the colonies and George Washington to beat the larger British military force, individual battles had to be fought. One victory won by the Patriots early on, did not involve a direct battle. The Fortification of Dorchester Heights, and the subsequent British Evacuation of Boston, exemplifies the early genius of General Washington and the fortitude of hero Henry Knox. Join our special guest, Professor Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University and Chair of Revolution 250, as we learn about these incredible events.

We all know the Americans won the American Revolution. But have you stopped to wonder how exactly our smaller army beat the larger professional army of the British and how the series of battles unfolded that led to the eventual British surrender? On our chat today, we are discussing one of those monumental events-North Carolina's Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge-and its impact on the outcome of the war. To provide his knowledge of this battle and the Revolutionary War, we are pleased to welcome John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, a teacher at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy and the author of 10 books.

It is that time of year where celebrate the birthday of General George Washington! Each year around this time our podcast pays tribute to the man Major General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III eulogized as "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." This year, we focus on Washington's Farewell Address, an incredible example of his oratorical skills and a blueprint for our republic. In his address, Washington paints a rather cautionary tale on issues that will face our new nation. Among others, he cautioned against the rise of political factions and foreign entanglements, issues that still affect our nation centuries later. To lead the conversation this week, we are thrilled to welcome Henry Olson, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, as our special guest.

For 250 years, a debate has carried on over the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. To enlighten us on his new book: "Divided Over the Declaration: How an Enduring Debate Sustains the Vision of America," we welcome author Tony Williams!