History That Doesn’t Suck: "The Unlikely Union – 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.'"

Host: Prof. Greg Jackson
Date: September 29, 2025

Overview

In this special mini-episode, Professor Greg Jackson reflects on the closing moments of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and its enduring lessons for today’s divided America. Through recounting Benjamin Franklin’s plea for unity and his own reaction to recent political violence, Jackson urges listeners to find strength in America’s shared values and history, and to resist division, fear, and toxic rhetoric. He further connects the nation’s founding challenges to contemporary polarization, arguing for respectful discourse and civic engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Final Day of the Constitutional Convention

[01:41–04:16]

• Setting: Philadelphia, September 17, 1787. Less than 40 of the original 55 delegates remained.
• Conflict: Delegates were sharply divided; some felt the proposed Constitution went too far, others not far enough.
• Benjamin Franklin’s Speech:
  • Too infirm to deliver it himself, Franklin’s address was read by James Wilson.
  • Franklin’s humility: Admitted he did not approve all parts, but recognized the need to doubt one’s own infallibility and find common ground.

    "I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them... the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment and to pay more respect to the judgment of others." — [03:07] Benjamin Franklin (read by Wilson, recounted by Jackson)

  • Unanimity over perfection: Franklin called for unity despite differences, urging all to sign the document to show solidarity.
• Outcome: 39 delegates signed, three refused.

2. A Scene from the Live Show: "Unlikely Union"

[04:39–05:00]

• Jackson shares a segment from his live show to connect past and present regarding unity and division.

3. Lessons for Modern America

[05:00–08:00]

• Persistent Division: Jackson observes that division and passionate disagreement are nothing new to American politics.

  "We have always carried with us our prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests and selfish views, to quote Dr. Franklin." — [05:12] Greg Jackson

• Reflection on Recent Violence:
  • References a recent act of political violence at Utah Valley University, where he teaches.
  • Condemns violence and partisan vitriol, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse.

    "Above all, we must not swallow that toxic rhetoric and spiral down a dark hole where we begin to assume that our fellow Americans... want anything less than a more perfect union." — [06:35] Greg Jackson

4. Shared History as a Source of Strength

[07:00–08:20]

• Encounters with Americans across the country: Jackson notes that, regardless of political affiliation, people come together to learn and discuss history.

  "What I've seen is everyday people, regardless of their political stripe, coming together to share in the telling of the extraordinary first century of our nation's history." — [07:06] Greg Jackson

• Perspective from History:
  • America has endured greater division (e.g., Revolution, Civil War) and emerged stronger.
  • The overriding message: unity is strength, division invites peril.

5. Lincoln’s Warning and Modern Resonance

[08:20–08:55]

• Quotes Abraham Lincoln’s famed warning from 1858:

  "A house divided against itself cannot stand. You damn right, Abe." — [08:45] Greg Jackson

6. A Call for Responsible Citizenship and Civil Dialogue

[08:55–10:20]

• Encourages listeners to model positive discourse, especially for younger generations.

  "I urge everyone to take those lessons to your conversations with your friends and family, especially the youngest ones..." — [09:17] Greg Jackson

• Praises the HTDS community for its diversity and curiosity, noting that lively, respectful disagreement strengthens democracy.

7. Invitation to Community and Civic Participation

[10:20–11:10]

• Jackson invites listeners to attend his live show, describing it as a "town hall of inspiring ideas."
• Emphasizes the importance of in-person connection in a time of division.

8. Preview of Next Episode

[11:10–End]

• Teases the upcoming regular episode, focused on America’s debate over entry into World War II.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Doubting Our Own Certainty:

  "... that we must all doubt a little of our own infallibility and make manifest our unanimity." — [05:14] Greg Jackson (paraphrasing Franklin)

• On Division and Commonality:

  "We made manifest our unanimity because we have so much more in common than in disagreement and so much more to gain when we work through our disagreements respectfully, peacefully." — [05:41]

• Condemning Polarization:

  "We must not retreat to our corners, that we must not allow bad faith commentary and social media algorithms to stoke fear and outrage." — [06:14]

• Perspective from Touring America:

  "I've already been to half of the 50 states, so called red and blue states, big cities and small towns... Our great strength is our union, and our great peril is our division." — [07:00]–[08:07]

• Lincoln’s Famous Line:

  "A house divided against itself cannot stand. You damn right, Abe." — [08:45]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:41] – Setting the scene, the tense final day at the Constitutional Convention
• [02:44] – Beginning of Franklin’s address (via James Wilson)
• [03:56] – Varied criticisms from delegates; process described
• [04:51] – Jackson introduces the episode’s main theme and contemporary relevance
• [05:12] – Linking Franklin’s advice to today’s divisions
• [06:14] – Reflection on recent political violence and condemnation of extreme rhetoric
• [07:00] – Stories from his national tour and encounters with Americans of all backgrounds
• [08:45] – Reference to Lincoln’s “house divided” speech
• [09:17] – Call to positive modeling, especially for youth
• [10:20] – Invitation to the live show and community engagement
• [11:10] – Preview of the next historical narrative episode

Tone and Takeaways

Jackson’s style balances storytelling, reflection, and direct appeals. Through Franklin’s words, references to American history’s most fraught moments, and personal experiences, he advocates for humility, respectful disagreement, and civic unity. The episode ties past challenges to present ones, leaving listeners with a sense of historical perspective and an invitation to participate in constructive community life.