In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.

Resources

• Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters (2025)
• Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)
• John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776)
• George Mason, First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)

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