Episode 418: The Slave Driver's Story - Ben Franklin's World
Randy Browne, an award-winning historian and Professor of History at Xavier University, joins us to investigate slavery's driving system.| Ben Franklin's World
Randy Browne, an award-winning historian and Professor of History at Xavier University, joins us to investigate slavery's driving system.| Ben Franklin's World
When we think of early American champions of religious liberty, one name often rises above the rest: Roger Williams. Williams is widely remembered as the founder of Rhode Island and a strong advocate for the separation of church and state. But what kind of man turns down a prestigious ministerial position in Boston, only to […]| Ben Franklin's World
Have you ever wondered why genealogy captivates so many people? Whether it’s tracing a family tree back generations or holding on to stories told around the dinner table, genealogy offers a powerful sense of connection—a connection that can shape identities, claims of property, and even arguments for freedom. But genealogy isn’t just a modern-day hobby. […]| Ben Franklin's World
When you picture the Declaration of Independence, what comes to mind? Most people envision a single, iconic document–parchment, signatures, maybe even a scene from National Treasure. But what if I told you, the Declaration of Independence isn’t just one document, but many documents? And that each version of the Declaration tells a different story–a story […] The post Episode 415: Emily Sneff, The Many Declarations of Independence appeared first on Ben Franklin's World.| Ben Franklin's World
How do we uncover queer lives from the distant past, especially in an era when language and records often erased or obscured them? What did queerness look like in early America, and how might it have intersected with power, religion, and empire on the eve of the American Revolution? John McCurdy, a Professor of History […] The post Episode 414: John McCurdy: Robert Newburgh’s Trials: Queerness & Reputation in Revolutionary America appeared first on Ben Franklin's World.| Ben Franklin's World
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, historian Christian Di Spigna joins us to explore the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Joseph Warren—the revolutionary physician who helped ignite America’s fight for independence.| Ben Franklin's World
How did Benjamin Franklin’s stove save energy? What does it reveal about wood, trees, and attempts to control the climate?| Ben Franklin's World
Two hundred fifty years ago, in May 1775, delegates from thirteen British North American colonies gathered in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. Why was Philadelphia chosen as the seat of Congress? What made the city a critical hub for revolutionary ideas, commerce, and culture? And how has Philadelphia’s early history shaped the broader narrative […]| Ben Franklin's World
Travel back to 1690s England with historian Mary Beth Norton as we explore the Athenian Mercury, the world's first personal advice column.| Ben Franklin's World
April 19, 2025 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord—the moment the American Revolution turned from protest to war.| Ben Franklin's World
Do you ever wonder how governments met and worked in colonial British America? Williamsburg, Virginia, served as the capital of Virginia between 1699 and 1779. During its 80 years of service as capital, Williamsburg represented the center of British authority in Virginia. This meant the Royal Governor of the colony lived in Williamsburg. Indigenous, colonial,| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
When we think about the American Revolution, the French Revolution, or the Haitian Revolution, we think about the ideals of freedom and equality. These ideals were embedded and discussed in all of these revolutions. What we don’t always think about when we think about these revolutions are the objects that inspired, came out of, and| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
Happy Fourth of July! We’ve created special episodes to commemorate, celebrate, and remember the Fourth of July for years. Many of our episodes have focused on the Declaration of Independence, how and why it was created, the ideas behind it, and its sacred words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that men are created| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
When we think of California, we might think about sunny weather, Hollywood, beaches, wine country, and perhaps the Gold Rush. What we don’t usually think about when we think about California is the state’s long history of slavery. Jean Pfaelzer, a Californian and a Professor Emerita of English, Asian Studies, and Women and Gender Studies| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
In this special Juneteenth episode, as we honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we will delve into the work of those working to preserve slave dwellings across the United States, safeguarding the essential stories these structures embody. In our conversation, our guest will share why former slave dwellings are vital to our nation's history| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
The United States Constitution of 1787 gave many Americans pause about the powers that the new federal government could exercise and how the government's leadership would rest with one person, the president. The fact that George Washington would likely serve as the new nation’s first president calmed many Americans’ fears that the new nation was| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
Article IV, Section 3 of the United States Constitution establishes guidelines by which the United States Congress can admit new states into the American Union. It clearly states that “no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State…without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well| Ben Franklin's World - A Podcast About Early American History
