Dr. Todd Arrington from James A. Garfield National Historic Site and our own Dr. John Foster discuss how the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments shaped our nation’s past and inform its present. They also explain why the amendments were necessary during (in the case of the 13th amendment) and after the Civil War. Finally, Dr. Foster provides examples of how the amendments have been subverted by narrow readings from the Supreme Court.
By the way, all of Foster’s three previous talks in this series can be viewed online:
- Lecture 1: The influence of the English Civil War on our founding fathers
- Lecture 2: The Constitutional Convention of 1787
- Lecture 3: The Federalist Papers
In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War II, the Cold War, the American Revolution, The Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]