In this episode Ned discusses:

• The violent reaction to the Stamp Act in the colonies
• The hanging in effigy of Andrew Oliver, royal stamp agent, in Boston
• The ransacking of Thomas Hutchinson’s home
• Samuel Adams condemns the violence
• The New York Sons of Liberty organize public demonstrations in New York City
• Richard Henry Lee, future signer of the Declaration of Independence, leads a protest in Virginia
• The colonies unite even further in their resistance to the tyranny of Parliament and the Crown

Ned Ryun Continues His Series, “Days of Revolution.”  Listen to Episode 12, “The Life of James Otis.”

In this episode:

• The life and contributions of James Otis.
• Otis’ role in the Writs of Assistance debate.
• The written works of James Otis as a foundation for the American Revolution.
• Otis’ premature departure from the public sphere due to failing health.
• The legacy of James Otis.

Ned Ryun Begins a New Podcast Series Entitled, “Days of Revolution.”  Listen to Episode 1, “The Die is Cast.”

In this episode:

• An overview of the events, figures and key points of debate leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
• Would the Second Continental Congress declare independence?
• What acts and military events led to the consideration of independence?
• Would all of the states agree to declare independence?
• Who wrote the Declaration and who were its signers?

In this Episode:

• The Ratification Debates continue.
• Massachusetts ratifies based on the leading of Samuel Adams and John Hancock and support for a Bill of Rights.
• Maryland ratifies despite Luther Martin’s opposition.
• South Carolina ratifies, while North Carolina remains an Anti-Federalist stronghold.
• New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify, fulfilling the obligations required by the Philadelphia Convention.
• Titans clash in Virginia, but the Constitution is ratified with an agreement to later support a Bill of Rights.
• New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island eventually ratify.
• A new government is formed and a Bill of Rights is passed.

In this Episode:

• The life of Gouverneur Morris, drafter of the U.S. Constitution.
• Morris’ work in New York politics.
• Morris as chief advocate for the Continental Army.
• Morris’ role in the Constitutional Convention.
• Morris’ dealings with England and later role as Minister to France during the French Revolution.
• Morris and northern secession.

In this Episode:

• The  final debates at the Constitutional Convention center on signing questions.
• Elbridge Gerry, George Mason and Edmund Randolph all voice displeasure with the document and refuse to sign.
• A committee on style is formed to write the Constitution.
• A Bill of Rights is proposed and debated, but soundly defeated, only for the issue to be resurrected again during the ratification debates.
• Washington supports a measure to increase representation in the House to win over dissenters, but the dissenters refuse to sign.
• The Constitution is signed and the debate for its ratification begins.

In this Episode:

• The  development of the Judicial Branch in the Constitutional Convention.
• Should the Judicial Branch be combined with the Executive Branch?
• A description of the Judicial Branch in Article III and Federalist Papers.
• The Judiciary Act of 1789 and Congress’ roll in forming the Judicial Branch.
• Details on the original courts.
• A discussion on the evolution of the courts today, foreshadowed by Thomas Jefferson.

In this Episode:

• The life of Roger Sherman, signer of America’s first four founding documents.
• Sherman lives the typical American life beginning as a cobbler and ending as a national statesman.
• Sherman’s political and legal career in Connecticut.
• Sherman’s role in the Continental Congress and in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
• Colleagues praise Sherman’s character.
• Sherman’s role in the Great Compromise.
• Sherman’s deep religious beliefs and strident opposition to paper money.

In this Episode:

• Religion and the Founding Fathers.
• The Founding Fathers were not deists, atheists and agnostics as some have characterized.
• A look at the first settlers and their motivations.
• Colonial Protestantism, the Puritans, and the influence of Covenant Theology on early American society.
• Comments about Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
• Quotes from the Founders on religion.

In this Episode:

• Alexander Hamilton’s life, part two of two.
• A focus on Hamilton’s post-convention life.
• Hamilton in the Washington cabinet.
• Hamilton and his role in the creation of the U.S. Mint, First National Bank, and Revenue Cutter Service.
• The formation of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican political parties.
• Hamilton’s launching of the New York Evening Post.
• Hamilton’s affair and role in the 1796 presidential elections.
• Hamilton effectively makes Jefferson President after the 1800 presidential election is decided in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Hamilton duels Aaron Burr.

In this Episode:

• Alexander Hamilton’s life, part one of two.
• Hamilton’s early life as an orphaned and illegitimate son.
• Hamilton’s time at King’s College in New York City and his growing interest in the revolution and military strategy and tactics.
• Hamilton forms his own militia and later contributes significantly to several famous Revolutionary War battle.
• Hamilton’s post-war career includes law and the founding of the Bank of New York.
• Hamilton’s role in the founding of a new government.

In this Episode:

• James Wilson, his life and contributions to the Constitutional Convention.
• Wilson’s early life in Scotland.
• Wilson’s close relationship with John Dickinson and Benjamin Franklin.
• Wilson’s public service and influence.
• Wilson’s bad land deals and other legal problems that lead to his demise.
• Wilson’s place in history.

In this Episode:

• A short look at the 55 delegates, part 2.
• Delegates from New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina.
• Notable convention absences.

In this Episode:

• The city of Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention.
• An overview of the Constitutional Convention delegates.
• Notable Constitutional Convention absences.
• A short look at the 55 delegates, part 1.
• Delegates from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware.

In this Episode:

• Massachusetts war debt and the raising of land taxes.
• Disgruntled farmers lead a rebellion under Daniel Shays.
• Famous figures give their opinion on Shays’ Rebellion.
• The rebellion is thwarted and some rebels suffer consequences.
• Massachusetts recovers economically, but Shays’ Rebellion still remains in the delegate’s minds as they head to Philadelphia.

In this Episode:

• James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, Part II.
• Madison in the House of Representatives.
• Madison, Patrick Henry and the Bill of Rights.
• Madison, Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans.
• Madison as Secretary of State.
• The Madison Presidency and post-presidential life.