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"He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions."

How are we supposed to understand the phrase "merciless Indian Savages" in the Declaration of Independence?

In this episode, expert in American Indian history Prof. Matthew Kruer (U. of Chicago) gives a thorough analysis of indigenous-colonial relations from the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) through the Declaration of Independence (1776).

Topics include the following:

-The enormous diversity of the 574 indigenous nations recognized by...

Who was Thomas Jefferson and how did he come to write the Declaration of Independence at the tender age of 33?

In this episode, historian Robert McDonald (US Military Academy) discusses the genius of Thomas Jefferson. Topics include the following:

-Jefferson's evolution into a revolutionary

-The long tradition of self government in the Colonies

-The process of composing the Declaration of Independence

-The deletion of the passage condemning slavery (see the full passage below)

-Jefferson's reputation in his own time

In this introductory episode, you will learn about some key events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Check out additional information at amerikazentrum.de.

If you have any thoughts, please share them on our YouTube channel: @declarationofindependence250.

Here is the timeline:

1756-1763: The Seven Years’ War AKA The French and Indian War

1763, 10 February: Treaty of Paris (ended the war)

1763, 7 October: Proclamation of 1763 (set the boundaries for Indian Territory)

1763-1766: Pontiac’s War (Native American Coalition vs. Britain)

1765: Stamp Act (Tax on Printed Material Used in Colonies)

1766-1767: Townshend Acts (Levied More Taxes on Colonies)

1770,...

In 2026, the United States of America is celebrating the 250-year anniversary of its founding, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, 1776.

Join us in commemorating this important milestone by learning more about the Declaration of Independence, including the historical reasons for its composition, the political philosophies that influenced it, its reception in Europe and the rest of the world, and its impact on independence movements around the world.

The series features scholars and experts in a variety of disciplines, from history and law to philosophy and culture.

It also features guests from...