Ben Franklin's World

Episode 408: Michael Hattem, The Memory of 1776

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The American Revolution was more than just a series of events that unfolded between 1763 and 1783, the American Revolution is our national origin story– one we’ve passed down, shaped, and reshaped for the last 250 years.

But what do we really mean when we talk about “the Revolution?” Whose Revolution are we remembering? And how has the meaning of 1776 shifted from generation to generation?

Michael Hattem, a scholar of the American Revolution and historical memory, joins us to discuss the American Revolution and its memory, drawing on details from his new book, The Memory of ‘76: The Revolution in American History.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Episode Summary

Michael Hattem is a scholar of the American Revolution and historical memory. You may remember Michael from Episode 307, where we discussed his first book, Past and Prologue. In this episode, we join Michael to investigate the history of our memories of the Revolution drawing on details from his new book, The Memory of ‘76: The Revolution in American History.

During our investigation, Michael reveals why the American Revolution has long been a source of both unity and division in American life. How figures like Thomas Jefferson have actively shaped the public's memories of the Revolution for personal gain. And, how different Americans— from Civil War-era Confederates to 1970s bicentennial activists— have reinterpreted 1776 to reflect their own needs, identities, and aspirations.

What You’ll Discover
  • History’s power to unite and divide people
  • Why the history of the American Revolution tends to divide Americans
  • The reliability of human memory
  • Primary sources for historical memory
  • Chief Justice John Marshall’s history of the American Revolution
  • Mercy Otis Warren’s history of the American Revolution
  • Thomas Jefferson, shaper of our historical memories of the Founding
  • The American Revolution at 50: The United States Jubilee, 1826
  • Renewed sense of patriotism after the War of 1812
  • Treatment of Continental Army soldiers after the Revolution
  • Marquis de Lafayette’s Tour in 1824-1825
  • How sectional divides shaped historical memories of the Revolution
  • Memory and meaning in the Declaration of Independence
  • Memory and meaning in the U.S. Constitution
  • Memory of the American Revolution during the U.S. Civil War
  • The United States’ centennial anniversary
  • The Centennial Exposition, 1876
  • Memory of the Revolution from 1890-1945
  • Origin of the term “Founding Fathers”
  • Defining patriotism for Liberals and Conservatives
  • The United States’ Bicentennial anniversary
  • The opening of 1776 the Musical
    • Links to People, Places, and Publications
    • Michael Hattem’s Website
    • Hattem, The Memory of '76
    • Hattem, Past and Prologue
    • Joanne Freeman
    • Alexander Stephens’ Cornerstone Speech 
    • Hayes-Tilden Election, 1876
    • Charles Beard, An Economic Interpretation of the United States Constitution
    • George Washington, Farewell Address
    • Festivities at the Concord Scout House for April 19, 2025
    • Transcript

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      1776 in Context Question

      In your opinion, what do you think we should focus on in our 250th anniversary commemoration of the American Revolution?

      Complementary Episodes

      Episode 145: Mercy Otis Warren

      Episode 193: Partisans: The Friendship & Rivalry of Adams & Jefferson
      Episode 259: American Legal History & the Bill of Rights
      Episode 261: Creating the Fourth Amendment
      Episode 307: History and the American Revolution
      Episode 313: Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette
      Episode 401: Tea, Boycotts, and Revolution

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      Ben Franklin’s World is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. To advertise on Ben Franklin's World contact [email protected].

      The post Episode 408: Michael Hattem, The Memory of 1776 appeared first on Ben Franklin's World.

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