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America's Founding Fathers
Today, the US Constitution is the oldest, continually-operating instrument of government in the world. But to think of the Constitution as a fully-formed, canonical document is to miss out on an honest, well-rounded grasp of American history. Now, more than ever, any well-informed citizen should understand how the Constitution lives, breathes, and endures.
In collaboration with Smithsonian, these 36 lectures are a deep dive into the creation of the US Constitution as it actually happened - and the remarkable men who played their own unique role in the creation (and survival) of American democracy. Designed to be enjoyed in chronological order, they take you from the closing days of the American Revolution to the opening decades of the United States under the newly created US Constitution. Told like a dramatic story, each lecture uses a Founder as a doorway through which to examine the process involved in crafting the Constitution.
You'll encounter fresh perspectives on familiar Founders including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as people not necessarily considered Founders, including James McHenry, Secretary of War under John Adams; and Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the insightful Democracy in America. While detailed, the lectures are highly accessible for all learners, high school students and history buffs alike.
Less a biography of individuals, Professor Guelzo's lectures are instead a composite biography of one of the greatest political documents in history
In collaboration with Smithsonian, these 36 lectures are a deep dive into the creation of the US Constitution as it actually happened - and the remarkable men who played their own unique role in the creation (and survival) of American democracy. Designed to be enjoyed in chronological order, they take you from the closing days of the American Revolution to the opening decades of the United States under the newly created US Constitution. Told like a dramatic story, each lecture uses a Founder as a doorway through which to examine the process involved in crafting the Constitution.
You'll encounter fresh perspectives on familiar Founders including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as people not necessarily considered Founders, including James McHenry, Secretary of War under John Adams; and Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the insightful Democracy in America. While detailed, the lectures are highly accessible for all learners, high school students and history buffs alike.
Less a biography of individuals, Professor Guelzo's lectures are instead a composite biography of one of the greatest political documents in history
18 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2017
19 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Allen C. Guelzo
57 books276 followersAllen Carl Guelzo (born 1953) is the Henry R. Luce III Professor of the Civil War Era at Gettysburg College, where he serves as Director of the Civil War Era Studies Program.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 18, 2018
This course is about as good as I could hope for a course titled America's Founding Fathers. A large chunk of the course revolves around the drama and creation of the US Constitution. All things considered, it's pretty amazing that things worked out at all, let alone worked out fairly well.
October 10, 2025
3. 5 stars rounded up. This 36 lecture course is the right length to learn some new ideas about the generation of America's founding. I would have liked at least a few lectures also on America's founding mothers and sisters though too. Mercy Otis Warren, Abigail Adams, and Dolly Madison would have made interesting subjects for lectures. I have listened to several courses by Professor Guelzo before this one and I would say that this one ranks near the top. He has an engaging speaking style for the most part and I was almost always intrigued by the topics that he was discussing.
One of the reasons that I was drawn to this course was the opportunity to learn about some of the lesser known founding fathers. Titles such as Elbridge Gerry's Committee, Thomas Mifflin's Congress, and David Brearly's Postponed Parts drew me in. (I have taught US history for over 20 years so I have a decent background on the topic). The lectures were not always about what the title indicated. Professor Guelzo regularly used the topic to spin off onto other related issues of the day. But he always brought things back to his starting point. I think that he is one of the 3-4 best history professors teaching for the Great Courses. Lots of mini-biographies of the people mentioned in the lecture titles combined with erudite information to tell a compelling story about the time period of the American Revolution up to about the 1830's.
One of the reasons that I was drawn to this course was the opportunity to learn about some of the lesser known founding fathers. Titles such as Elbridge Gerry's Committee, Thomas Mifflin's Congress, and David Brearly's Postponed Parts drew me in. (I have taught US history for over 20 years so I have a decent background on the topic). The lectures were not always about what the title indicated. Professor Guelzo regularly used the topic to spin off onto other related issues of the day. But he always brought things back to his starting point. I think that he is one of the 3-4 best history professors teaching for the Great Courses. Lots of mini-biographies of the people mentioned in the lecture titles combined with erudite information to tell a compelling story about the time period of the American Revolution up to about the 1830's.
July 11, 2019
Prof. Guelzo has given us a very complete and accurate summary of the thoughts and actions of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution along with the historical events which surrounded them. It goes to show what a remarkable group of men, many with widely differing views about the new nation, can do when they actually enter into civil discourse.
July 21, 2017
America- A Nation of Virtue or Self-Interest?
Professor Guelzo (and the Smithsonian) presents an excellent set of lectures that is both highly informational and decidedly entertaining. The lectures are less about detailed biographies of our Founding Fathers than they are a running dialog describing the history/evolution of the debates surrounding the construction of US constitution and the difficult time following its ratification (or at least through the Madison administration...the real end of ratification probably didn't happen until 1865). It is most impressive to learn of the behind the scenes great work of James Madison, an often overlooked author and contributor to our legacy...a truly virtuous man.
Professor Guelzo also includes several of the lesser known characters in the family of founding fathers...some rascals...some dolts...some just out for profit, but all with a great deal of self-interest guiding their decisions (the question of slavery being the greatest). The plot is enhanced by the good professor's erudite pace and voice (yes, I purchased the audio version and augmented it with the internet), in which he introduces these players when and where their roles were most critical.
But one of the biggest joys of this course was achieved by reading Gore Vidal's novel, "Burr" while while listening the lectures. This rascal has been much maligned throughout our history...Vidal tries his hand at redemption in way that very much complements these lectures.
Highly recommended...you won't be disappointed.
Professor Guelzo (and the Smithsonian) presents an excellent set of lectures that is both highly informational and decidedly entertaining. The lectures are less about detailed biographies of our Founding Fathers than they are a running dialog describing the history/evolution of the debates surrounding the construction of US constitution and the difficult time following its ratification (or at least through the Madison administration...the real end of ratification probably didn't happen until 1865). It is most impressive to learn of the behind the scenes great work of James Madison, an often overlooked author and contributor to our legacy...a truly virtuous man.
Professor Guelzo also includes several of the lesser known characters in the family of founding fathers...some rascals...some dolts...some just out for profit, but all with a great deal of self-interest guiding their decisions (the question of slavery being the greatest). The plot is enhanced by the good professor's erudite pace and voice (yes, I purchased the audio version and augmented it with the internet), in which he introduces these players when and where their roles were most critical.
But one of the biggest joys of this course was achieved by reading Gore Vidal's novel, "Burr" while while listening the lectures. This rascal has been much maligned throughout our history...Vidal tries his hand at redemption in way that very much complements these lectures.
Highly recommended...you won't be disappointed.
July 21, 2021
Really excellent, detailed overview of the key players involved in the formation of our country. Divided into 30 minute segments, this was great for listening while driving around town.
June 28, 2022
America's Founding Fathers which is "A Great Course" in The Teaching Company series was developed and presented by Professor Allen C. Guelzo. Professor Guelzo is a very accomplished and informative lecturer who keeps the student engaged and interested in the subject matter, and the accompanying guidebook is very comprehensive aiding the student in staying on track during this 36 lecture series.
Professor Guelzo's emphasis in this series is the founders and developers of the United States Constitution and the aftermath of many of its contributors and players through the end of James Madison's presidency who was the last surviving signer of the Constitution. Personally, I can't say enough good about this course. Certainly I know much more about this subject than when I began the course, including the intricacies of the Constitutional Convention itself and how our Constitution was created. For many, this may seem like a boring subject, but Professor Guelzo makes learning exciting and enjoyable. I would imagine he could most likely accomplish that task with any subject.
The course not only discusses the technical aspects of the Constitution's creation and the situation in America at that time period, but it also delves into the lives of many of the founders including the first four U. S. Presidents (Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison), Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, William Paterson, Elbridge Gerry, Rufus King, Benjamin Franklin, Edmund Randolph and Gourveneur Morris to name a few. Professor Guelzo also discusses some Americans such as Aaron Burr, Timothy Dwight, Patrick Henry, Daniel Shays and John Marshall who were never at the convention, but affected, whether favorably or adversely, as the United States developed in those early years. The history and anecdotes and how they intertwine is nothing but fascinating. Finally, he discusses America's relationship with many of the foreign nations at that time, particularly England and France, and how those associations and conflicts influenced the United States, its populace, and the creation and preservation of an early government.
In short, I wholeheartedly recommend this course for anyone who has an interest in the beginning of the American government during the days subsequent to the Revolutionary War when our country was only comprised of the original thirteen colonies.
Professor Guelzo's emphasis in this series is the founders and developers of the United States Constitution and the aftermath of many of its contributors and players through the end of James Madison's presidency who was the last surviving signer of the Constitution. Personally, I can't say enough good about this course. Certainly I know much more about this subject than when I began the course, including the intricacies of the Constitutional Convention itself and how our Constitution was created. For many, this may seem like a boring subject, but Professor Guelzo makes learning exciting and enjoyable. I would imagine he could most likely accomplish that task with any subject.
The course not only discusses the technical aspects of the Constitution's creation and the situation in America at that time period, but it also delves into the lives of many of the founders including the first four U. S. Presidents (Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison), Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, William Paterson, Elbridge Gerry, Rufus King, Benjamin Franklin, Edmund Randolph and Gourveneur Morris to name a few. Professor Guelzo also discusses some Americans such as Aaron Burr, Timothy Dwight, Patrick Henry, Daniel Shays and John Marshall who were never at the convention, but affected, whether favorably or adversely, as the United States developed in those early years. The history and anecdotes and how they intertwine is nothing but fascinating. Finally, he discusses America's relationship with many of the foreign nations at that time, particularly England and France, and how those associations and conflicts influenced the United States, its populace, and the creation and preservation of an early government.
In short, I wholeheartedly recommend this course for anyone who has an interest in the beginning of the American government during the days subsequent to the Revolutionary War when our country was only comprised of the original thirteen colonies.
August 28, 2019
Allen C. Guelzo in America's Founding Fathers goes beyond biography of the men we know most -- George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison -- and touches upon the contributions they made into forming the Constitution. Disagreements and treachery permeated throughout its birth. Personal issues and vendettas ran rampant. The founding fathers are sometimes seen as god-like but they were very much human.
The lectures introduce other men that are not well known but also had a hand in forging the Constitution. The political and social climate of the era are also covered so as to provide background for the decisions and amendments made to the document. Some argued for the emancipation of slaves while others denounced the idea and cried that economic chaos would ensue if that institution crumbled. The seeds of the US Civil War were planted long before 1861.
I found this course to be very informative and it increased my knowledge of not only those who drafted and signed the Constitution but also the political and social workings of 18th century America.
The lectures introduce other men that are not well known but also had a hand in forging the Constitution. The political and social climate of the era are also covered so as to provide background for the decisions and amendments made to the document. Some argued for the emancipation of slaves while others denounced the idea and cried that economic chaos would ensue if that institution crumbled. The seeds of the US Civil War were planted long before 1861.
I found this course to be very informative and it increased my knowledge of not only those who drafted and signed the Constitution but also the political and social workings of 18th century America.
February 13, 2020
America's Founding Fathers by Allen Guelzo of Gettysburg College is a very capable course that is easily accessible and a pleasure to listen to. I've been commuting a lot lately, so this was a very enjoyable way to spend my found time. Much of what is in the course will be familiar to you if you've looked at the beginning of the US in any detail, but it is presented in a way that combines theme and chronology with biography in order to discuss the evolution of the early Republic through its founding figures. Some of them will likely be new and unique to you, as I for instance never knew much about Thomas Mifflin, and cannot say for certain that I even could have recognized his name prior to this. This is not a perfect course, however, as the jumping around can be distracting and there are some threads that remain unresolved. There are some holes that are left unexplored, and a number of figures that are not touched on in this near 18 hour long survey. Guelzo does a great job, and this is a good showing for the Smithsonian as well.
90/100
90/100
January 14, 2023
Lovely course tracking America from after the Revolution until the War of 1812 by highlighting different people who were involved in the founding of America as a nation. This includes the heroes like Washington and Jefferson but also the villains like Aaron Burr and Daniel Shays. The biographical touch adds lightness and interest to the course which combined with the instructor's natural storytelling ability makes for a fun learning experience.
April 27, 2018
This was an excellent overview, and I'm probably going to listen again to keep it better in my memory. It definitely brings into focus why the phrase "what the founders would have wanted" is ridiculous, because they couldn't agree on anything. It's a good way to understand why the US has the system of government that it does, and what all the compromises were.
April 10, 2019
Very interesting and educational. Some of it was very dry and hard to get through but I guess that is to be expected with any history book. I would get bored with it and read something else, then come back to it, etc.
November 6, 2017
It has an engaging way of keeping the narrative going and mixing the historical milestones you already know with a lot of useful additive context and anecdotes. Enjoyed it.
July 16, 2018
The politics can get a little dry, but overall thoroughly enjoyed this perspective and the well organized format of the lectures.
January 5, 2021
Amazing! I watched the lectures and was addicted! Watched it in a week! What a great binge on history !
Especially needed now that the current government wants to mislead and abuse powers.
Especially needed now that the current government wants to mislead and abuse powers.
June 26, 2021
Outstanding exploration of the making of the Constitution and it's important players. Very engrossing and well worth the listen.
February 3, 2022
This was a very good course
February 11, 2022
The ideas of the Constitution, the struggle between the Federalists and Anti-federalists, and the process of ratification.
Financial policy in the early republic.
Financial policy in the early republic.
July 10, 2023
Great information about the time period immediately following the American Revolution. Well worth the listen.
July 16, 2023
Must have perspective
November 29, 2023
Great series!
October 16, 2025
Esperaba más sobre los principios y valores que rodearon la fundación de Estados Unidos
September 16, 2018
Stellar, insightful narrative of America's founding in this exploration of the minds behind the American experiment of self-government. As one very much wanting to carry and progress America in the 21st century, I found this book to provide the context and background needed to better understand and represent what was meant when we use the words "Founding Fathers".
Recommend for anyone interested in American history, constitutional law, or how to better interpret and apply philosophies of self-governance in our lives today.
Recommend for anyone interested in American history, constitutional law, or how to better interpret and apply philosophies of self-governance in our lives today.
January 27, 2022
This course is outstanding. A comprehensible and entertaining treatment of many of the men who made contributions to the creation of the 'National' United States. The list of fathers includes along with the usual characters Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Madison, Hamilton and Franklin, many other known and not so well know contributors; Aaron Burr, Robert Morris, Daniel Schay, William Patterson, Roger Sherman, James McHenry...I don't want to give away too much! Did I mention entertaining? If you've never heard Allen Guelzo teach then you are in for a treat.
August 15, 2023
Prof Guelzo is a top prof in both presentation and information. Truly a joy to listen to or watch on Kanopy!
May 8, 2020
Great speaker and he explores the roles of both commonly known and lesser known founding fathers. Always nice to learn new information.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews