Paine, Rush, and Anti‑Slavery Influence

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters, which traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and its continued significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.  
 
This conversation was originally streamed live as part of the NCC’s America’s Town Hall program series on November 24, 2025.  

Resources 

• Ed Larson, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters (2025) 
• Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776) 
• John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776) 
• George Mason, First Draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) 

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