The story of July 4th is messier than you remember
About this episode
This episode explores the complex history behind the Declaration of Independence and the events surrounding its creation.
Devastating compromises. Midnight rides. A nailbiter vote. Statue toppling riots… and the very real possibility of death. This July 4th, we're taking you inside the making of the Declaration of Independence and how, against all odds, a single document introduced the world to a new kind of nation. Guests: Walter Isaacson, professor at Tulane University and author of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written. Denise Kiernan, author of Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration and Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution. Support shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
Sponsors
NPR+
More episodes of Throughline
- The Chinafication of Walmart
- Listen to "We Keep Us Safe" on NPR's Embedded podcast
- Route 66 and the quest to connect America
- How wheelchairs, a river, and a spaceship challenged the status quo
- The ongoing battle over asylum in America
- American history through song
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Throughline podcast page.