How New Jersey has been a battleground

How New Jersey has been a battleground

From Garden State Roots by RevNJ

April 20, 2026 · 49 min · Season 1 · Episode 5

About this episode

This episode explores New Jersey's significant role as a battleground for revolutionary ideas throughout history.

Did you know there were more revolutionary battles in New Jersey than any other colony? More than 200 that helped to birth our nation. In this episode, host Justin Williams explores over two centuries of New Jersey being a battleground for revolutionary ideas: from Nazism to Communism, and women's suffrage to civil rights. Joining Justin is Jacob A. Zumoff, Associate Professor of History at New Jersey City University and author of the books, 'The Red Thread', 'The Passaic Textile Strike and The Communist International' and 'US Communism', Maxine N. Lurie, Professor Emerita of History at Seton Hall University, and Arlene Stein, distinguished professor of sociology at Rutgers University. Check out all of the extra stories and NJRevolution history in the 'Garden State Roots' show notes: https://www.revnj.org/s/Garden-State-Roots-Episode-5-Battleground-Show-Notes.pdf 'Garden State Roots' is the podcast that wants to put an end to New Jersey being the butt of the joke for evermore. After 250 years of revolutionary history, it's time to give props to NJ's contribution to the modern culture of America, if not the world. From music to film, sports to tech and food to politics, host…

People in this episode

Host: Justin Williams

Guests: Jacob A. Zumoff, Maxine N. Lurie, Arlene Stein

Topics covered

  • revolutionary battles
  • New Jersey history
  • Nazism
  • Communism
  • women's suffrage
  • civil rights

Keywords

  • Garden State
  • history
  • battleground
  • revolutionary ideas

Mentioned in this episode

Products: The Red Thread, The Passaic Textile Strike and The Communist International, US Communism

Books & works: The Red Thread, Garden State Roots

Places: New Jersey, NJ, America, the Garden State

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