The “American Experiment”

On 4 July 1776, “Independence Day”, the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from the British Crown. Independence required more than just a Declaration, however, and it had to be literally fought for in the Revolutionary War. “No More Kings” was an essential aim but how would the new republic be created? How would rights and justice be secured? With hindsight the “great experiment” of the United States of America was a success, and ultimately established the fundamental rights enjoyed by Americans today. This talk considers the challenges and opportunities of inventing a self-governing nation, particularly one that idealized liberty.