Join us for another lecture series by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, in preparation for America’s 250th!
9/23/25: “Forming a New Government in the Midst of War: The Articles of Confederation”
The difficulties of the colonial period had taught American leaders that too powerful a government endangered liberty. The obvious solution: create a weak system confederated system and leave most of the power to the states. Big mistake! The new United States of America could barely function.
10/1/25: “The Critical Period: From Articles to Constitution”
When the Confederation government fails miserably, the United States is essentially unable to function. What happens and how is it corrected? Fix the articles? Throw them out all together? The solution, a more powerful “federal” government potentially threatens liberty. Cue the Anti-Federalist and Federalists.
10/6/25: “The New Nation: Washington Takes the Reigns…and Gets a Headache!”
When George Washington, the most respected man in the nation, becomes president, he hopes to serve one term and promptly retire. That proves impossible. Both Hamilton and Jefferson press the president to continue, lest the new nation fail before it truly begins. The result is a remarkable second inaugural address that speaks volumes in its brevity. What did Washington say that “says it all”?
Matthew Warshauer is a professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, where he has studied and written extensively on what he calls “the American paradox,” the conflicting ideological beliefs and practices of the United States. Learn more here.
Co-sponsored by the Avon Library and the Avon Historical Society.
Funded by a donation from history lover Pat Moran.
Please register once for the series, even if you cannot attend all three events.