Colonial Era and the Revolutionary War

The French and Indian War and the Seeds of Revolution, a conversation with John R. Maass, education specialist, National Museum of the US Army

In 1754 war spread from Europe to North American and became a struggle over territory fought between the French and the British and their respective American Indian allies. By 1763 the British had won domination over the colonies—but they also had sown seeds of discontent among American colonists. Historian and author John Maass discusses this critical and fascinating period of America’s past. Approximate run time: 41 minutes.

Arthur Dobbs and the Colonial Records Project, a conversation with Joseph Beatty, State Office of History and Archives

The state’s Colonial Records Project cares for thousands of documents that depict the history of the state from its earliest days of settlement by Europeans through ratification of the United States Constitution. Beatty discusses his work with the project, including some insights he discovered while working, in particular, with the records of Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs. Approximate run time: 38 minutes.

North Carolina and the Franklin Statehood Movement, a conversation with Kevin Barksdale, professor of American history, Marshall University

In 1782, a group of North Carolinians living in several far western counties began a secession movement with the goal to form a future state of Franklin. The movement failed, yet it had a tremendous impact on how future states would be formed and approved. Approximate run time: 37 minutes.

Alamance Battleground and the Regulator Movement, a conversation with Jeremiah DeGennaro, site manager, Alamance Battleground State Historic Site

DeGennaro describes the issues and political struggles that led to formation of the Regulator Movement during 1770 and 1771 and the events that escalated peaceful protests into an armed confrontation between backcountry farmers and state militia. Approximate run time: 32 minutes.

American Indians and the American Revolution, a conversation with Colin Calloway, professor of History and professor of Native American Studies, Dartmouth College

Calloway discusses how, during the American Revolution, some tribes supported the British, while others supported the colonists and many tried to stay neutral. Regardless of their allegiance, few historical events had a more profound impact on American Indian peoples. Approximate run time: 33 minutes.

Long, Obstinate, and Bloody: The Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a conversation with historian and author Joshua B. Howard

In Long, Obstinate, and Bloody: The Battle of Guildford Courthouse, historian Josh Howard, who cowrote the book with Lawrence E. Babits, hopes to provide a new starting point for students and scholars. In addition to providing an accurate account of the battle, the book attempts to correct long-standing myths while building awareness of the southern campaign during the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in particular. Approximate run time: 24 minutes.

A Pirate’s Life for Me? a lecture by Charles Ewen, East Carolina University

Professor Ewen compares and contrasts the historical record of piracy using film and popular literature on the one hand, and historical documents and archaeology on the other. Their differences, in some cases, may not be as far apart as one might think. Approximate run time: 55 minutes.

Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787–1788, a conversation with historian and author Pauline Maier 

Few things in American history approach mythical status like the creation of the US Constitution. Pauline Maier, a distinguish professor of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, finally documents the untold stories and the personalities who fought both for and against its adoption. Approximate run time: 26 minutes.