Segment from Independence Daze

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? / Frederick Douglass and July 4th

Historian David Blight narrates a reenactment of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” in which Douglass highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty in a nation that allows slavery.

Brian, Peter, and Ed discuss how slavery and its end changed the meaning of the Declaration and the holiday, as demonstrated by Frederick Douglass’ July 4th oration.

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Declaration of Introduction

Ed and Brian express skepticism about an entire episode devoted to the Fourth of July, but Peter paints a vivid picture of colonists’ need to revolt.

00:02:28

American Scripture

Peter talks to the late Pauline Maier about the most important parts of the Declaration (not the first paragraph!), and how meanings of “independence” have changed over time.

00:06:35

Partisanship on the Fourth

Host Peter Onuf tells co-host Ed Ayers and Brian Balogh how the 4th of July displaced George Washington’s Birthday as the first truly national holiday – when Thomas Jefferson’s partisans pushed it for their own reasons.

00:03:24

Rockets' Red Glare

Ed and Peter interview Jim Heintze, who has chronicled history’s most explosive July Fourth celebrations. And we hear from a few of today’s fireworks planners.

00:05:59

Listener Calls 1

Kelly wants to know if Laura Ingalls Wilder’s portrayal of the Fourth rings true, and Greg wonders what happened to America’s true revolutionary spirit.

00:12:02

Listener Calls 2

More calls from BackStory listeners. Pam from Canada asks about the 1812 Overture. Reverend Tim feels conflicted on the Fourth about church and state.

00:07:00

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? / Frederick Douglass and July 4th

Historian David Blight narrates a reenactment of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” in which Douglass highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty in a nation that allows slavery.

Brian, Peter, and Ed discuss how slavery and its end changed the meaning of the Declaration and the holiday, as demonstrated by Frederick Douglass’ July 4th oration.

00:10:46