As the US marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this lecture series focuses on the principal architects of the American revolution and their personal journey from British subjects to citizens of the fledgling United States.
The first lecture offers an overview of British America—from 1607 (when Jamestown, the first permanent English colony, was founded) to 1776.
This is followed by a lecture on Thomas Jefferson, the intellectual whose writing turned a functional document into a sublime manifesto for liberty and independence.
The third lecture is on Benjamin Franklin, whose switch from aspiring British minister to American ambassador reflected—and legitimised—the shift of opinion from loyalty to rebellion throughout the thirteen states.
The fourth lecture looks at how George Washington, who once aspired to be an officer in the British army, turned the Declaration’s boldly ambitious words into reality through his actions on the battlefield and in the debating chambers of Congress.
The fifth lecture examines the way the Declaration of Independence and these founding fathers continue to resonate in America today. As Joe Biden announced that he would not campaign for re-election, he name-checked Washington and Franklin, and he praised Jefferson as the man “who wrote the immortal words that guide this nation”.
Please note:
- There will not be a lecture on Wednesday 15 April.
- This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 20 March 2026.