George Washington’s Presidency (1789-1797)
Dave Benner’s video series for George Washington’s Presidency (1789-1797).
Category Archives: Founding Fathers
The Critical Period (1780-1789)
In every way, the Critical Period (1780-1789) was a crossroads for the early American Republic.
Thomas Paine’s Return to America
Many people know Paine as the author of Common Sense, The Crisis, and The Rights of Man. Fewer know him as an unapologetic opponent of slavery, paper money, and aristocratic privilege. Fewer still know he spent considerable time in both England and France – escaping death sentences in both countries – and finally returned to America in 1802.
Thomas Paine and the English Invasion
Some may not realize that Thomas Paine once developed an obsession for a radical military strategy to invade England.
Thomas Paine and Religious Liberty
In Thomas Paine’s day, no idea was more accepted than the idea that the church was inextricably connected to the state. Even so, Paine argued the rigid bond between religion and state was a dire mistake for civilization.
Thomas Paine, Execution Escape Artist
Americans generally remember Thomas Paine as the renowned writer of Common Sense, the most persuasive and popular case for American independence from the British crown. However, many may be unaware that the radical political agitator later returned to his native Europe, where his actions led him to be sentenced to execution in both England and France.