Back to School: A History of Public Education
The statistics look grim, but is America's educational system any worse off than it's ever been? Why have schools been the sites of so many social movements?
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Pitch a Show (Fall '09)
BackStory invites you to propose a topic for our new fall season. Which concerns facing Americans today could use historical unpacking by the History Guys? Pitch your idea here!
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Looking for Work: A History of Unemployment
With unemployment at its highest level in 25 years, we're taking on the history of Americans between jobs. When did the concept of "unemployment" arise in the first place? Are people more or less attached to their jobs than they used to be?
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The Extraordinary Ordinary: Populism in America
Joe the Plumber and his geographic equivalent, "Main Street," were both major figures in Election '08. “We the People” have finally spoken and… wait a second, who's “we” and what did "we" say, anyway? This week, the many faces of populism.
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Independence Daze: A History of July Fourth
In the early days of our nation, July Fourth wasn’t an official holiday at all. In fact, it wasn’t until 1938 that it became a paid day-off. So how did the Fourth become the holiest day on our secular calendar? Historian Pauline Maier offers some answers, and explains how radically the meaning of the Declaration has changed since 1776. James Heintze chronicles early Independence Day Bacchanalia. And historian David Blight reflects on Frederick Douglass’ arresting 1852 Independence Day speech.
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Listen to all of Frederick Douglass' speech, courtesy of TBM records.
Show Highlights
- Declaring Independence
For years, the Declaration of Independence sat untouched in a dusty archive. So how did it become one of America’s most prized documents? Historian Pauline Maier talks about how the meanings of “independence” have evolved over time. - Guide to Frederick Douglass' speech
Historian David Blight narrates a reenactment of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro,” widely known as one of the greatest Abolitionist speeches ever. In it, Douglass highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty in a nation that allows slavery.
Related Links
- David Blight's article about the Douglass speech
- H-Net Review of Pauline Maier's American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence
- National Archives online exhibit of the history and travels of the Declaration
- Historical Fourth of July Celebrations Database compiled by Jim Heintze
- History News Network's Top Five Myths About the Fourth of July
- Why George Washington remembered July third
- Explosive audio piece about fireworks show planners
