America's Founding Fathers

America's Founding Fathers

Educational 2017

Available on The Great Courses Signature Collection

A deep dive into the creation of the U.S. Constitution as it actually happens; using the Founding Fathers as a lens through which to examine the early political history of the United States; better understanding the document and its creators.

Educational 2017

PG

Starring Allen Guelzo

EPISODE 1

George Washington's Doubts

Explaining the importance of getting a well-rounded understanding of the Founders; Professor Guelzo explores Washington's fears about post-Revolutionary America; Washington's concerns about how people could administer their own affairs.

30 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG
EPISODE 2

Thomas Mifflin's Congress

Before the ratification of the Constitution, there are presidents of the Congress created by the Articles of Confederation; the failures of one president, Thomas Mifflin, offer a window into the problems facing the United States of America in 1783.

26 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG
EPISODE 3

Robert Morris's Money

Money issues abound in the new United States; why the abundance of land is a problem; what compels states to print their own paper money; how Robert Morris attempts to restore the links between commerce, agriculture and government finances.

28 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG
EPISODE 4

Benjamin Franklin's Leather Apron

Exploring the many roles Benjamin Franklin plays in the formative years of the republic; this includes his part as an independent printer, a public "gentleman", a nobleman of nature and a tradesman cynical of the wealthy and powerful.

26 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG
EPISODE 5

Thomas Jefferson's Books

How books by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith influence Thomas Jefferson's political philosophy; Jefferson's fierce critiques of religion and commerce; the ways he nevertheless betrays the Enlightenment principles he holds dear.

30 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG
EPISODE 6

Daniel Shays's Misbehavior

Shays's Rebellion sparks unease in the entire Confederation; following this dramatic insurgency and its leader; learning how Shays's Rebellion prompts many to consider a strong government as essential to liberty and property.

27 min · 15 Oct 2020 PG

Allen Guelzo

Host

About

America's Founding Fathers

EDUCATIONAL

A deep dive into the creation of the U.S. Constitution as it actually happens; using the Founding Fathers as a lens through which to examine the early political history of the United States; better understanding the document and its creators.

Information

Studio: The Great Courses
Released: 2017
Rated: PG

Languages

Audio: English (AAC), English (United States)
Subtitles: English (CC)

Accessibility

: Closed captions refer to subtitles in available languages with the addition of relevant non-dialogue information.