The Trans-Atlanticist

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Matthijs Tieleman (Illinois State U.)

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

In this episode, we focus on the Netherlands, the second country (after France) to acknowledge the...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. François Furstenberg (Johns Hopkins U.)

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America…solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States…and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do."

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between the new United States and its major patron, France.

Topics include the f...

with Andrew Sola and Hobson Woodward (Massachusetts Historical Society-Adams Family Papers Project)

"Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation." Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1776

For our Women's History Month episode, we explore the amazing life of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, the second president, and mother...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Michael Dickinson (Virginia Commonwealth U.)

The phrase, ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, is complicated when viewed from the perspective of an enslaved person. So for our Black History Month episode, we are exploring the wide variety of Black perspectives about the Declaration of Independence.

Topics include the following:

-a history of Juneteenth, the alternative Independence Day for Black Americans

-the different life situations of Black Americans in 1776 and their different responses to the Declaration of Independence

-the story of James Forten, free Black, Patriot volunteer, and...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. James Fichter (U. of Hong Kong)

"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people."

In this episode, we explore Grievance #24 in the Declaration of Independence, which condemns the British practice of privateering amongst other things.

Topics include the following:

-the destruction of Norfolk and Falmouth--the towns alluded to in Grievance #24

-the legal differences between official action by navies and semi-official actions by privateers

-the massacre of enslaved people on the Zong (aka the Zorg)<...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Denver Brunsman (George Washington U.)

"He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands."

Today we explore Grievance #26 in the Declaration of Independence, which protested against the Royal Navy practice of impressment, the forced conscription of sailors into naval service.

Topics include the following:

-a description of the life of seafarers in the 18th century

-a detailed overview of the British...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Donald F. Johnson (North Dakota State U.)

"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."

In today's episode, we explore Grievance #11 in the Declaration of Independence, which condemns the deployment of British regular troops in American towns and cities during peacetime.

Topics include:

-the long British tradition disapproving of standing armies on British soil

-the long British tradition of allowing for political protest and dissent without fear of punishment by a standing army

-the cooperation...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Serena Zabin (Carleton College)

"Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren…They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, ENEMIES IN WAR, IN PEACE FRIENDS."

In this episode we explore Loyalist vs. Patriot Civil War during the Revolutionary War. Topics include:

-the outbreak of violence in Lexington and Concord in 1775 and the mustering of local militias, which forced Colonial men to...

with Gottfried Haufe and Prof. Dr. Holger Kersten (University of Halle)

This episode was recorded live on 19 November 2025.

This special episode explores the life and work of Mark Twain, one of the most iconic figures in American literature.

We discuss Twain’s career, his main interests, and his enduring impact on U.S. cultural history. A particular focus is his travels through Europe and Germany, which profoundly influenced both his writing and his worldview. Finally, we look at the modern reception and contemporary reinterpretations of Twain’s texts – and consider why his humor, satire, and social...

with Andrew Sola and Dr. Andrew Edwards (U. of St. Andrews)

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, OUR FORTUNES, and our sacred Honor."

Why did the signers of the Declaration of Independence have to pledge their fortunes (their money) to the revolutionary cause?

How did unorthodox American ideas about money help win the Revolutionary War?

And were the Founding Fathers, in fact, the first crypto bros?

We explore these ideas in this...

with Andrew Sola, Dr. Marion Loeffler, and Dr. Huw Williams (Cardiff University)

In this episode, we explore the influence of Wales and Welsh immigrants on the Declaration of Independence with two expert guests from the University of Cardiff, Dr. Marion Loeffler and Dr. Huw Williams.

Topics include:

-the importance of preserving and expanding Welsh language and identity in the present

-an exploration of Welsh identity in the 1700s

-the tradition of Welsh religious dissenters which meshed with political non-conformity

-economic and political similarities and differences between Wales and Ireland...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Patrick Geoghegan (Trinity College Dublin)

"Irish men and Irish women, in the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland through us summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom.

She now seizes that moment and supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory. Six times during the past 300 years, they have asserted it in arms. We hereby...

with Andrew Sola, Prof. Richard Ross (U. of Illinois), and Prof. Steven Wilf (U. of Connecticut)

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for ONE PEOPLE to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…"

"Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of THE PEOPLE to alter or to abolish it…"

In this episode, we explore the creation of the legal concept of THE PEOPLE with the right to overthrow their government.

Topics include :

-the tension in the British Empi...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Jane Landers (Vanderbilt University)

This episode explores the complexity of Florida's colonial history, its relationship to African-Americans, and its importance during the War of Independence.

Our expert guest is Prof. Jane Landers (Vanderbilt University), who is also the Director of the Slave Societies Digital Archive.

Topics include:

-The importance of remembering African-American history in Spanish America

-An overview of Spanish colonial history, which is much older than Anglo-American history that began in Jamestown in 1619

-Spain's religious sanctuary policy, which granted African-American slaves freedom in...

with Andrew Sola and historian Mark R. Anderson

In the second of our 2-episode series about Canada and the Declaration of Independence, historian Mark R. Anderson talks us through the invasion of "the neighbouring Province" of Canada as well as the third and final letter from the Continental Congress to the Inhabitants of Canada.

Topics include:

-The formation of the Continental Army in June of 1775 and the appointment of General Schuyler to invade (or liberate) Canada

-A description of the explanations offered by the Americans to the Canadas for the invasion, namely to...

with Andrew Sola and Historian Mark R. Anderson

"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies."

In the first of this two-part episode about Canada and the rebellious Colonies, we discuss the important differences in the history, politics, religion, demographics, and economies of the two regions. Topics include the following

-The transfer of Canada from France to Britain after the Seven...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Ronald Angelo Johnson (Baylor U.)

"…and as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do."

In this episode, Professor Johnson (Baylor U.) explores the origins of American theories of diplomacy and the importance of race and freedom in early American history.

These concepts are seen most clearly in early relations between the USA and France, particularly the French colony of Saint-Domingue (modern day Haiti).

Th...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Nora Slonimsky (Iona U./Institute of Thomas Paine Studies

“Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.”--Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)

In this episode, Dr. Nora Slonimsky, Director the...

with Andrew Sola and Dr. Charlotte Lerg (LMU-München)

"He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation."

In this episode, we explore grievance #25 in the Declaration of Independence, which laments the deployment of the notorious Hessian mercenaries to the Colonies in order to fight the American rebels. We also look at reactions to the Declaration in various German-speaking provinces in what is n...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Theodore Karamanski (Loyola U.-Chicago)

How did the indigenous people of Chicagoland understand what was happening in the Colonies in 1776?

Did the Declaration of Independence affect them in any way?

Of course, the City of Chicago was not founded until 1837, but this episode explores the lives of the inhabitants of the Chicago area and the effect of European colonization on their way of life during the Revolutionary War.

Our expert guest, Prof. Theodore Karamanski, walks us through the history of Chicagoland, focussing on the following points:

...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Tobias Brinkmann (Penn State)

In this episode, Andrew Sola and Tobias Brinkmann explore the history of the earliest Jews in the Colonies.

Topics include the following:

-The arrival in 1654 of the first Jewish ship in New Amsterdam, which was governed by Peter Stuyvesant (who is featured in the photo, arriving in New Amsterdam for the first time)

-The story of Asser Levy, perhaps the first Jewish inhabitant of the North American colonies

-The status of early Jews in Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese colonies

-Jew...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Rosemarie Zagarri (George Mason U.)

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men AND WOMEN are created equal." Declaration of Sentiments, Seneca Falls Convention

In this episode, Prof. Rosemarie Zagarri explores the legal, social, and political status of women from the Colonial Era through the Revolutionary War, the Seneca Falls Convention (1848), and beyond.

Topics include:

-The tensions between the ideals of the phrase "all men are created equal" and the lived reality of women

-"Coverture" and the legal status of women in the...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. John. G. McCurdy (Eastern Michigan U.)

"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."

This Pride Month episode focuses on two questions.

First, why were American colonists increasingly frustrated with the presence of British troops in the Colonies?

Second, to what extent were Thomas Jefferson and the Founders aware of LGBTQ+ issues at the nation's founding?

Topics include the following:

-Grievances 11, 12, and 14 in the Declaration of the Independence

-The Quartering Act of 1774

with Andrew Sola and Dr. Thomas S. Kidd (Midwestern Baptist Seminary)

The Declaration of Independence uses the words 'God,' 'the Creator,' and 'Divine Providence,' but many of the Founders were highly skeptical of both Christianity and also organized religion, preferring the scientific and rational ideals of the Enlightenment.

In this episode, we explore the tensions between religion and reason in the Declaration of Independence.

Topics include the following:

-Theistic and deistic beliefs in the Founders, including Franklin and Jefferson

-The different religious groups in the Colonies, from Baptists...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Steven Pincus (U. of Chicago)

"He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of the new Appropriation of Lands"

…"for cutting off trade with all parts of the world."

In this episode, Steven Pincus explores grievances against King George for restricting free trade and for preventing immigration to the colonies.

Topics include the following:

-The importance of the trans-Atlantic Patriot Party, wh...

"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 the US...

with Andrew Sola and Prof. Robert McDonald (US Military Academy-West Point)

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...

with Andrew Sola

This episode is from our brand new series called "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" to commemorate the 250-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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)

with Andrew Sola and Doug Lute (US Ambassador to NATO, 2013-2017)

The new administration in Washington has forced both Americans and Europeans to reckon with an emerging new security environment.

How should we understand this new world order? Is it time to panic?

Ambassador Doug Lute (US Ambassador to NATO, 2013-2017) outlines the contours of this new world and explains why we should not panic.

Topics include the following:

-Updates from the Munich Security Conference

-Consequences of the Trump-Zelenskyy White House summit

-A primer on 4 traditional pillars...

with Andrew Sola and Günter Danner

Andrew Sola and Günter Danner analyze the 2025 federal elections in Germany, focusing on the social, economic, and security challenges facing Germany, Europe, Ukraine, the USA, and the world.

with Andrew Sola and Günter Danner

In our final politics podcast of 2024, we look back at the political developments in France, Germany, and the US in 2024. We also look ahead to issues facing Germany, Europe, and the US in 2025.

Topics include the following:

-French President Macron's difficulties with internal French politics

-the collapse of Chancellor Scholz's coalition government in Berlin

-issues that will affect the elections in Germany in February, including the economy and illegal migration

-Trump's approach to tariffs and support for Ukraine

Happy New Y...

with Andrew Sola, Dirk Lohan, and Rolf Achilles

This episode is part of the ChicagoHamburg30 podcast series, which is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Chicago-Hamburg Sister-City partnership (1994-2024).

In our 30th and final episode celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Chicago-Hamburg Sister-City partnership, we look at the German architects who literally built the buildings that Chicagoans live, work, and play in today.

After discussing the early history of German architects in Chicago, we discuss the life and career of Mies van der Rohe through the memories of his grandson Dirk Lohan. We cover van...

with Andrew Sola and Christina Neuhaus

In this episode, Andrew Sola and AFP journalist Christina Neuhaus discuss Germany's reaction to the US elections as well as the collapse of the German government.

Topics include the following:

-Public and private reactions to Trump's victory

-The reactions of all the different political parties, including BSW, AFD, die Linke, SPD, CDU, the Greens, and FDP

-Different policy issues that concern Germany and Europe, including Ukraine, trade, tariffs, and the climate

-The climate of predictable unpredictability that will characterize trans-Atlantic politics for the...

with Andrew Sola and John Heinsen

This episode is part of the ChicagoHamburg30 podcast series, celebrating the 30-Year Anniversary of the Chicago-Hamburg Sister-City relationship.

Happy German-American Heritage Month!

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of one German immigrant who left Hamburg for Chicago in 1923, Walter Heinsen, through the lens of his grandson John.

Walter was an aerial photographer for the German Empire during WWI, where he met historical figures like the Red Baron (Manfred von Richthofen) and Kaiser Wilhelm II. However, he also photographed regular soldiers, including British and American prisoners...

with Gottfried Haufe and Verena Adamik

In this episode we commemorate the life and work and ongoing influence of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), 175 years after his death.

Poe is a fascinating historical figure and his literary work is known throughout the world. In this episode, we explore both his complicated life story as well as his ongoing influence on all forms of creative production. We discuss the loss of his mother and his early years in London; we examine the role of Romanticism in his writing; we take you through his time in Baltimore and his role...

with Andrew Sola, Elena Gonzales, and Lilia Fernandez

This episode is part of the ChicagoHamburg30 podcast series, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Chicago-Hamburg Sister-City Anniversary.

We're celebrating Hispanic-American Heritage month with a deep dive into the rich history and diversity of the Hipanic/Latino/LatinX/Latine community in Chicago.

Topics include the following:

-the debate about the language we use to describe the Hispanic or Latino community -the first Latinos in Chicago in the 1850s -the political upheavals in Central and South America that drove migration -the mass deportations during the Depression ...

with Andrew Sola and New York Times Politics Reporter Jazmine Ulloa

It's Hispanic-American Heritage Month, so today's episode focuses on the unique role that Latino voters play in American politics.

Andrew Sola and New York Times National Politics Reporter Jazmine Ulloa analyse the Latino electorate and discuss the following points:

-the diversity of the Latino electorate -the growing influence of Latino voters -explanations for historically lower voter turn-out among Latinos -Democratic and Republican strategies to reach out to Latinos -the role of swing-states like Arizona in the presidential election -Latino responses to aggressive anti-immigrant rhetoric ...

with Andrew Sola and Günter Danner

This episode features an analysis of the local elections in the east German states of Thuringia and Saxony, which were held on September 1.

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) earned the most votes in Thuringia and the second most in Saxony. Furthermore, a brand-new party, the BSW or Bündnis Sahra Wagegnknecht achieved 16% in Thuringia and 12% in Saxony.

Who are the leaders of these parties? We introduce you to Björn Höcke, leader of the AfD in Thuringia, and Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW.

What...

with Andrew Sola, Charlotte Lerg, and Gary Kissick

This episode is part of the ChicagoHamburg30 podcast series, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Chicago-Hamburg Sister-City relationship.

In this special episode, Andrew Sola and his guests discuss the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Topics include the similarities and differences between the 1968 DNC and the 2024 DNC; the use of gender and race in the speeches; the main themes of the convention, including the reclamation of a Democratic concept of patriotism; the relative paucity of European and global themes; VP Kamala Harris’s speech; and memorable speeches by ot...

with Andrew Sola, Charlotte Lerg, and Gary Kissick

This episode is part of the ChicagoHamburg30 podcast series, celebrating the 30-Year Anniversary of the Chicago Hamburg Sister-City relationship.

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago 1968 was one of the most important political events in the twentieth century.

It was preceded by a number of earth-shaking crises, including the devastating Tet Offensive in Vietnam in January, President Lyndon B. Johnson's shocking announcement that he would not run for a second term in March, the assassination of beloved civil rights leader Martin Luther King in April, and then the...