American History Hit: "Romans in America" – A Comprehensive Summary

Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Don Wildman
Guest: Professor Carolyn Winter, William Robertson Coe Professor of History and American Studies at Stanford University

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Rome in America

In the episode titled "Romans in America," host Don Wildman delves into the profound influence of ancient Roman ideals on the foundation and development of the United States. Through an engaging conversation with Professor Carolyn Winter, a renowned expert in American history before 1900, the episode explores how Roman civic and cultural concepts were transplanted and transformed in the New World, shaping various facets of American society from architecture to governance.

Neoclassical Architecture: Building the New Republic

Timestamp: [03:48]

The discussion begins with the pervasive presence of classically inspired architecture in America, particularly evident in the nation's capital. Professor Winter explains that post-American Revolution, there was a deliberate shift from British monarchical symbols to the republican imagery of ancient Rome. This architectural transition was intended to embody the ideals of the new American republic.

Notable Insight: "From the moment of the American Revolution, between 1776 and 1788, Americans began to shift their attention from the monarchy of King George III in England to the Republic of ancient Rome."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [04:18]

Thomas Jefferson played a pivotal role in this movement, advocating for neoclassical designs that symbolized the novelty and grandeur of the American republic. An example cited is the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, inspired by a Roman temple Jefferson admired in Nimes, France.

Symbolism in Governance: Balance and Power

Timestamp: [08:44]

The conversation transitions to how Roman ideals influenced the American system of governance, particularly the concepts of checks and balances. Professor Winter highlights that while the United States adopted the idea of a balanced government, it innovated by ensuring that all governmental powers stemmed directly from the people, eliminating monarchical and aristocratic elements inherent in Roman and British systems.

Key Quote: "The novelty of the US government in 1788 is to say all the powers of government, whether it's judicial, executive, or legislative, is going to come from the people alone."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [08:44]

This foundational principle is visually and structurally represented in American public buildings, emphasizing solidity and balance as metaphors for governmental stability and fairness.

Classical Education: Shaping Civic Virtue

Timestamp: [21:13]

Professor Winter delves into the era's educational paradigms, where classical education was paramount. From early schooling to college curricula, the study of Latin and Greek was integral in cultivating oratory skills, logical reasoning, and a civic-minded populace. Such education was not merely academic but served as a vehicle for instilling the virtues admired in ancient Rome.

Notable Insight: "Classical education was everywhere, especially if you were an elite boy. It was believed to make you a man with all of the qualities that young men needed at that time."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [21:52]

This educational focus extended to cultural practices, including naming conventions, fashion, and even hairstyles, all echoing classical antiquity and reinforcing societal values aligned with Roman virtues.

Cincinnatus and Civic Leadership

Timestamp: [14:50]

The episode highlights the figure of Cincinnatus, an emblem of civic virtue and leadership. Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer who assumed military command in times of crisis and promptly returned to his agrarian life after, became a model for American leaders like George Washington. This narrative underscored the ideal of leadership rooted in service and humility rather than the pursuit of power.

Key Quote: "Cincinnatus embodies the values of ancient Roman civic virtue, which is the gentle virtues of the farmer."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [14:50]

Washington's resignation after the American Revolution mirrored Cincinnatus's return to farming, reinforcing the ethos that true patriotism lies in serving the nation selflessly.

Slavery: Parallels and Contrasts Between Rome and America

Timestamp: [27:07]

A critical segment examines slavery as a defining aspect of both ancient Roman and American societies. Professor Winter categorizes both as "slave societies," where a significant portion of the population was enslaved, integral to the economy and social structure. However, she emphasizes important distinctions:

• Race-Based Slavery: Unlike Rome, American slavery was inherently race-based and generational, with laws in place to perpetuate the condition across generations.

• Origins of Slaves: Roman slavery largely resulted from conquest and raids, lacking the racial component intrinsic to American slavery.

Notable Difference: "As you say, white planters like to imagine all these parallels [between Rome and America]. But in fact, one of the wonderful things that modern classical scholars have done is to excavate the many differences that there are between ancient and modern slave systems."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [30:11]

These nuances are crucial in understanding the unique social and economic dynamics that shaped American history differently from its Roman counterpart.

The Senate: From Ancient Rome to Modern America

Timestamp: [17:52]

The episode explores the evolution of the Senate, contrasting the ancient Roman Senate with the United States Senate. While both institutions share a name and advisory functions, their structures and purposes diverge significantly.

Key Insight: "The ancient Roman Senate sort of first emerges around 500 B.C. to advise the first kings of Rome... when the United States is figuring out how to create this new representative government, they steal this word Senate from ancient Rome, but they create a wholly new structure out of it that the Romans would not have really recognized."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [17:52]

The U.S. Senate embodies a federally representative body with distinct legislative powers, a departure from the more aristocratic and less democratically structured Roman Senate.

Cultural Resonance: Classical Ideals in American Society

Timestamp: [20:55]

Professor Winter discusses how classical ideals have been woven into the American cultural fabric, often serving as a "civic religion." This reverence for classical antiquity has been instrumental in fostering a sense of national identity and continuity with the ideals of democracy and republicanism.

Notable Insight: "The reverence for classical models is a way to create a civic religion, if not a kind of monotheistic religion."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [20:55]

This cultural infusion persists in modern times through architecture, education, and political discourse, maintaining the classical legacy's relevance.

The Fear of Decline: Rome as a Cautionary Tale

Timestamp: [31:45]

A profound discussion emerges around the fear of the United States experiencing a decline akin to Rome's fall. Professor Winter notes that the ambiguous reasons for Rome's collapse allow for endless debate, making it a powerful metaphor in American political discourse.

Key Quote: "The defining story of the United States is... the fear that Rome will fall. And that fear begins to be articulated as soon as the ink on the Constitution has dried."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [32:09]

Historical artworks, such as Thomas Cole's "Course of Empire" series, encapsulate this anxiety, portraying the rise and potential fall of a republic, paralleling contemporary American concerns about sustainability and moral direction.

Modern Reflections: Classical Ideals Today

Timestamp: [38:26]

Concluding the episode, Professor Winter asserts that classical ideals remain influential and adaptable, continually offering lessons and frameworks for contemporary society. Despite evolving societal norms and advancements, the foundational principles derived from Rome sustain their impact.

Notable Insight: "Rome will always attract us because it's so rich and full."
— Professor Carolyn Winter [38:26]

This enduring fascination ensures that the study and application of classical principles continue to shape American cultural and political landscapes.

Conclusion: The Unfinished Dialogue Between Rome and America

In "Romans in America," Don Wildman and Professor Carolyn Winter illuminate the intricate tapestry of Roman influence on the United States. From architectural marvels and governance structures to education and cultural ethos, the echoes of Rome resonate profoundly in American identity. Yet, as history unfolds, the dialogue between ancient ideals and modern realities remains dynamic, offering both inspiration and caution for the nation's ongoing narrative.

Further Resources:

• How the New World Became Old, the Deep Time Revolution in America by Carolyn Winter
• Culture of Classicism by Carolyn Winter
• The Mirror of Antiquity by Carolyn Winter
• Stanford University's Great Courses: America and Ancient Rome by Carolyn Winter

This summary provides a structured and comprehensive overview of the "Romans in America" episode, capturing key discussions, insights, and conclusions to inform and engage those who have not listened to the podcast.