The last quarter of the eighteenth century remains the most politically creative era in American history. A group of dedicated and determined men undertook a bold experiment in political ideas.
Pulitzer Prize winning author Joseph Ellis believes it was a time of triumphs and tragedies, all of which contributed to the shaping of our burgeoning nation. He outlines in this lecture, his belief that, due to the institution of slavery and the lack of a just settlement with Native Americans, thiswas a time of flawed greatness in our nation’s history.
This online audio archive of the lecture is presented in collaboration with the Vermont Humanities Council’s "First Wednesdays" Lecture Series. It was recorded December 5, 2007 in the First Congregational Church in Manchester and hosted by the Mark Skinner Library.
Thanks to the Vermont Humanities Council for providing the audio. Due to technical difficulties, questions from the audience are difficult to hear. Mr. Ellis’ audio is not affected.