Vivid -- Enlightening -- Entertaining
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“BRAVO!
I began listening to this course as a distraction from household chores, dropping in whenever my room needed cleaning or the kitchen needed mopping. Soon I noticed that my house was getting cleaner and cleaner -- I was actually finding work to do just so that I could continue this fantastic course!
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION is a hit for a number of reasons. Professor Freeman is utterly delightful: she is deeply passionate about her work and has a talent for bringing it closer to her audience through anecdote and carefully-selected sources. Not only does her combination of historical narrative and specific examples (taken through primary sources) give listeners a rich understanding of the time period, but it turns a tiring list of dates and events into a riveting story.
The class itself goes over colonial society and self-perception, politics, economics, war, and more; Freeman demonstrates that the 'American Revolution' might not have been as revolutionary as is often imagined, as colonists did see themselves as Englishmen, and rebelled because of perceived transgressions on their rights as English citizens. It's a fascinating revisit to history that is often mythologized and idealized in the USA.
Also appreciated are Prof. Freeman's observations about historiography that she seamlessly ties into the course. A big point she makes is that students of history should remember CONTINGENCY -- although the Revolution and Constitution seem to us inevitable, they definitely did not seem so to early Americans, so we shouldn't dismiss perspectives that ultimately didn't win out. Likewise, during her discussion of the "Boston Massacre," Prof. Freeman examines both British and Colonial accounts, which lets her draw observations about bias in primary sources. In that sense, this class is not only instructive about a specific era, but also lets listeners pick up on historical critical thinking skills that are useful for studying any era.
All in all, it's amazing how ACCESSIBLE this class is. It flows clearly; I never found myself doing strenuous mental gymnastics over who's-who and what's-what. Yet I certainly came out a little more enlightened about this fascinating subject.
Absolutely recommended :)”
Pandrosion via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/18/16
More reviews of The American Revolution
“I find it absolutely astounding that a Yale history professor does not know the difference between Britain and England. England is part of Britain and the two terms are not interchangeable. I mean this is supposed to be a professor of history.”
colin does not review many via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/26/20
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“This course is rich in detail and enhanced with quotes from a variety of sources and people. The Professor has done an awesome job preparing and researching. I would give it a 5 but I cant stand the constant telling of jokes and laughing out loud from the professor. If the material is humours...”Read full review »
Giambi via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
08/04/11
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“I saw Professor Freeman on a History Channel special about Thomas Jefferson, and I really liked how she presented the material, so I decided to see if she had any lectures on iTunes. I was very happy to find out that she does, and I have enjoyed every minute of this series. I only wish that her...”Read full review »
David Campbell via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/10/11
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