The American Idea
The American Idea
Ashbrook Center
From 1776 to Civil Rights: How the Declaration Shaped the Struggle for Equality
52 minutes Posted May 6, 2026 at 10:58 am.
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Show notes

The Abolition and Civil Rights movements are often presented as solutions to the failures of the American Founding, or replacements for its ideas. The relationship between the core ideas of America, as asserted in the Declaration of Independence and those of these two movements is complicated and has evolved over time. As we approach our 250th birthday, let’s take a look at how the Declaration is, in fact, the moral and intellectual foundation of both abolition and civil rights.

Jeff is joined by Dr. Peter Myers, Professor of Political Science and expert in the politics of abolition and civil rights.

Read Peter's book on Douglass: https://a.co/d/0b1TiSI3

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

On Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/aTARALr9Gx

On Spotify: https://tr.ee/09Ca21CCp-

On iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-american-idea-119582945/