1: The American Revolution: The First Chapter of America’s Democracy

• Professor Edward O'Donnell plunges into how democracy began in the United States and how unlikely it was to emerge in a world full of monarchies. He unpacks the choices and conflicts that have made history, providing a deep dive into the events surrounding the American Revolution, as well as insights into the Declaration of Independence, the emergence of equal rights, and the effects of capitalism on the success of creating a truly democratic nation.

2: Law & Religion: The Founding Fathers’ Intention & Where We Are Today

• Professor Patrick Allitt looks at our Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the First Amendment through the lens of multiple religious movements and historical turning points, such as famous church-state and religious rights cases that have come up through the courts. You’ll see how, although we still struggle with the limitations of religion and law as defined and intended by the Constitution today, America’s religious tolerance remains one of the foundations of our democracy.

3: Can Democracy Disintegrate? The German Experience

• Professor Adam Tooze introduces the Weimar Republic, outlining the factors that led first to its rise and then its eventual collapse.  He compares and contrasts the timeline and key figures with the current situation American democracy faces. As he walks us through both scenarios, he dispels rumors, myths, and the misconceptions we may have that history is indeed repeating itself and that our own democracy is facing an imminent collapse.