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Let’s keep celebrating the semiquincentennial by tackling the remarkable history of our most inspirational founding document. Historian and Hoover Institution fellow Michael Auslin joins the podcast to discuss National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America. He and Chris cover the document’s chaotic creation, its less-than-ideal preservation, and its enduring impact on almost ten generations of Americans.
Show Notes:
- Michael Auslin’s book, National Treasure
- Michael’s book event at AEI
Time Stamps:
1:45 Myths and misconceptions about the Declaration
12:40 The forgotten Declaration takes center stage
23:34 The Civil War and consent of the governed
28:33 More reasons to loathe Woodrow Wilson
33:45 MLK and the “promissory note” of equality
42:30 The Declaration’s core claim of unity
46:16 The DSA’s challenge to the greatness of the Declaration
49:03 The Declaration preserved and displayed
Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.
Produced by Keira Stenson.
Christopher J. Scalia