Presidential Chronicles

James Monroe #4: Foreign Deals (1799-1807); Topics covered include: Governor of Virginia, Envoy to France, Louisiana Purchase (including constitutional concerns), attempt to acquire Florida, Minister…

James Monroe #3: Standing Up for Honor (1792-1797); Topics covered include: Resigns U.S. Senate, Minister to France, rebuked over comments, Jay Treaty, recalled, breaks with George Washington, "A Vie…

James Monroe #2: Political Beginnings (1780-1794); Topics covered include: Mentored in law by Thomas Jefferson, elected Virginia Assembly, focus on Northwest Territory and access via the Mississippi …

James Monroe #1: Teenage War Hero (1758-1779); Topics covered include: Youth, parents die, College of William & Mary, Stamp Act, Revolutionary War, enlists, Battle of Trenton, wounded, Battle of Prin…

James Madison #10: Retirement and Legacy (1817-1836); Topics covered include: Post-presidency, Montpelier, collaboration with Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia, death of Jefferson, Virg…

James Madison #9: Dolley and the Presidency (1794-1817); Topics covered include: Relationship with Dolley (Payne) Madison, Barbary Pirates, protective tariffs, National Bank, federally-funded interna…

James Madison #8: Mr. Madison's War (1809-1815); Topics covered include: Conflict with Great Britain and France, impressment, Embargo Act of 1807, Non-Intercourse Act, Macon's Bill #2, War Hawks, War…

James Madison #7: Jefferson's Premier (1801-1809); Topics covered include: Thomas Jefferson's presidency, "The Revolution of 1800," Virginia Dynasty, Secretary of State, Louisiana Purchase (including…

James Madison #6: Party of the Opposition (1789-1800); Topics covered include: George Washington's presidency, Assumption Bill, National Bank, the press, Jay Treaty, establishing opposition party, br…

James Madison #5: Father of … (1787-1791); Topics covered include: Ratification of the Constitution, Congressman, and the Bill of Rights

Key people: Patrick Henry, George Mason, Edmund Randolph, Geor…

James Madison #4: The Federalist (1787-1788); Topics covered include: "The Federalist"

Key people: Alexander Hamilton and John Jay

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James Madison #3: The Constitution (1787); Topics covered include: Constitutional Convention, Virginia Plan, and the debates and outcome at the Convention

Key people: John Adams, Edmund Randolph, Wil…

James Madison #2: National Catalyst for Change (1786-1787); Topics covered include: Articles of Confederation, Annapolis Convention, Shays's Rebellion, "Vices of the Political System of the United St…

James Madison #1: Path to Politics (1751-1786); Topics covered include: Youth and school, Montpelier, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Revolutionary War, Virginia House of Delegates, and the A…

Thomas Jefferson #10 The Sage of Monticello (1809-1826); Topics covered include: Post-presidency, life at Monticello, Rapprochement with John Adams, slavery, University of Virginia, and his death on …

Thomas Jefferson #9 Martha, Maria, and Sally (1770-1826); Topics covered include: Relationships with Martha Jefferson, Maria Cosway, and Sally Hemings; also his children, slavery, and the Head-Heart …

Thomas Jefferson #8: Monarchist? (1801-1809); Topics covered include: Assessment of Jefferson's monarchical leanings including actions related to the Louisiana Purchase, fight against the Barbary Pir…

Thomas Jefferson #7: Revolution of 1800 (1800-1809); Topics covered include: Election of 1800, President of the United States, Cabinet, patronage, cultural shift, Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark Ex…

Thomas Jefferson #6: Leader of the Opposition (1794-1800); Topics covered include: Monticello, Democratic-Republican Party, Election of 1796, Vice President, "Jefferson's Manual," Kentucky Resolution…

Thomas Jefferson #5: George Washington's Cabinet (1790-1793); Topics covered include: Returns to the United States from France, Secretary of State, Cabinet conflict with Alexander Hamilton, Assumptio…