About the lecture

In this module, we explore why the Constitution was needed in the first place. The reason for this are both external and internal, and include: (i) trade wars between the states; (ii) actual war between the states; (iii) an "excess of democracy"; (iv) piracy; (v) the British threat; (vi) the Spanish threat; (vii) the Native American threat.

About the lecturer

Woody Holton is Peter and Bonnie McCausland Professor of History at the University of South Carolina. He specialises in early American history, especially the American Revolution, with a focus on economic history, African Americans, Native Americans, and women. He is author of a number of books within these fields including Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution.