Letters from an American: July 3, 2025

Hosted by Heather Cox Richardson

Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction

In the July 3, 2025 episode of Letters from an American, historian and author Heather Cox Richardson delves into the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence and its profound impact on American society. Richardson explores the evolution of the concept that "all men are created equal," examining historical milestones and contemporary challenges to this foundational principle.

The Radical Foundation of America

Richardson begins by highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. She emphasizes how the document was revolutionary for its time, asserting that "all men are created equal," a radical notion in an era dominated by a privileged elite.

"The Declaration of Independence was an astonishingly radical document in a world that had been dominated by a small class of rich men for so long"
[00:07]

Despite its progressive language, Richardson points out the glaring exclusions within the Declaration. The term "men" was implicitly understood to mean white men, deliberately omitting black individuals, indigenous peoples, and women from its promise of equality.

"The congressman got around the sticky little problem of black and indigenous enslavement by defining men as white men"
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Challenges to Equality Post-Independence

Nearly nine decades after the Declaration, the veneer of equality began to crumble. The Southern states, primarily white men, initiated the Civil War with the intent to preserve a social hierarchy that relegated African Americans, indigenous Americans, Chinese, Mexicans, and Irish to inferior statuses.

"In that era, equality had become a proposition rather than self evident"
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Richardson underscores the fragility of the principles laid out in 1776, noting how societal forces often resisted the expansion of equality beyond the original narrow definition.

Abraham Lincoln and the Reaffirmation of Equality

Moving forward to the Civil War period, Richardson brings Abraham Lincoln into the narrative. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is highlighted as a pivotal moment where the nation was tested on whether it could live up to its founding ideals.

"Four score and seven years ago, Abraham Lincoln reminded Americans, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal"
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Lincoln's assertion that the Civil War was a test of the nation's endurance emphasizes the ongoing struggle to realize true equality. The Union's victory not only preserved the United States but also broadened the definition of equality to include black men and, eventually, women.

Contemporary Rebellion Against Founding Principles

Fast forwarding to 2025, Richardson draws parallels between the Civil War era and the present day. She warns of a resurgence of forces seeking to undermine the principle of equality, much like the Confederacy did in the 19th century.

"Just as in the 1850s, we are now once again facing a rebellion against our founding principle as a few people seek to reshape America into a nation in which certain people are better than others"
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This modern "rebellion" is characterized by attempts to re-establish a hierarchy where specific groups are privileged over others, challenging the inclusive vision initially set forth by the nation's founders.

Enduring Commitment to Equality

Richardson reflects on the unwavering commitment of Americans to defend and expand the idea of equality. She cites Lincoln's 1863 words as a timeless call to action, urging continued dedication to the nation's foundational values.

"The men who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to defend the idea of human equality"
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Lincoln's plea during the Civil War for a "new birth of freedom" resonates with the ongoing efforts to ensure that government remains "of the people, by the people, for the people."

"government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
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Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Heather Cox Richardson masterfully connects historical events to contemporary political dynamics, illustrating the persistent struggle to achieve the true equality envisioned by America's founders. The discussion serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the continued vigilance required to uphold the nation's foundational ideals.

Produced at Soundscape Productions, Dedham, MA. Recorded with music composed by Michael Moss.

Key Takeaways

• Foundational Radicalism: The Declaration of Independence was a radical document for its time, promoting equality in a society that predominantly favored a small elite.

• Historical Exclusions: The initial promise of equality was limited to white men, excluding various other groups from its protections.

• Civil War as a Test: Abraham Lincoln framed the Civil War as a critical test of the nation's ability to sustain its founding principles.

• Ongoing Struggle: Contemporary America faces challenges reminiscent of the past, with efforts to undermine and reshape the concept of equality.

• Enduring Commitment: The nation's history is marked by continuous efforts to expand and defend the principles of equality and democracy.

Notable Quotes

• "All men are created equal."
  – Declaration of Independence
  [00:07]

• "The Declaration of Independence was an astonishingly radical document in a world that had been dominated by a small class of rich men for so long"
  – Heather Cox Richardson
  [00:07]

• "In that era, equality had become a proposition rather than self evident"
  – Heather Cox Richardson
  [00:07]

• "Just as in the 1850s, we are now once again facing a rebellion against our founding principle"
  – Heather Cox Richardson
  [00:07]

• "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
  – Abraham Lincoln
  [00:07]

This episode of Letters from an American provides a profound reflection on the historical and ongoing efforts to realize the ideal that all individuals are inherently equal, urging listeners to remain steadfast in defending and expanding this fundamental principle.