Founding Fathers: An American Dream
Podcast

Founding Fathers: An American Dream

NOISER

9 episodes

250 years ago, the United States of America was born. But how did people in America rise up, overthrow British rule, and go on to create a radical new nation? Welcome to Founding Fathers: An American Dream - the new show from the award-winning Noiser Podcast Network, hosted by Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme, Da 5 Bloods). Each week, we'll take a deep dive into this epic story. We'll follow George Washington as he leads patriots into battle...travel with Benjamin Franklin on crucial missions overseas...sit alongside Thomas Jefferson as he writes the Declaration of Independence...and hear Alexander Hamilton fiercely debate the future of the country. But the tale of American independence is about more than just a handful of patriotic men. It features a cast of millions - men and women, enslaved and free, indigenous and colonial. We'll explore lesser-known stories in this immense fight for liberty...and ask who lost out along the way... Brought to life with immersive sound design and original music, plus contributions from leading historians and descendants of those involved. Founding Fathers: An American Dream is available for free wherever you get your podcasts or at noiser.com. Noiser+ subscribers get early access to new episodes and ad-free listening. Click the Noiser+ banner at the top of the feed or head to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started.

What this show covers

American RevolutionGeorge WashingtonThomas JeffersonPost-Revolution crisisUS ConstitutionEarly AmericaHamilton and MadisonPolitical conflictBostonMohawk historyDeclaration of IndependenceBenjamin FranklinMilitary historyTurning pointsYorktown

What listeners will find here

After independence, America’s first political crisis erupts
This episode follows the turbulent years after Britain’s defeat, when economic turmoil and a veterans’ uprising push the young United States toward a dramatic reinvention. Hamilton and Madison champion a new constitution, triggering fierce backlash and the nation’s first major political campaign.
1776 in conflict: Boston, London, and Jefferson’s fateful words
This episode follows the escalating war across the colonies in 1776, from the end of the siege of Boston to political maneuvering in London and Philadelphia. It centers on the writing of “all men are created equal” while asking who those words truly included.
Washington’s darkest hour sets up a wartime turnaround
The episode follows the Continental Army after devastating losses in New York, as George Washington faces collapse and a narrow escape. It also tracks Benjamin Franklin’s crucial mission to France and the surprising New Jersey action that becomes a much-needed American miracle.
Betrayal, midnight warnings, and the road to Yorktown
This episode follows the shock of a celebrated American hero switching sides, a late-night warning delivered to Thomas Jefferson, and the British push to regain southern support. It builds toward the climactic Siege of Yorktown, where Alexander Hamilton emerges in a dramatic role.
Washington’s presidency opens with hope—and descends into rivalry, violence, and loss
George Washington leads the new nation into its first presidency, but early optimism gives way to political division and personal conflict. The episode follows the rise of parties, bitter feuds, ugly campaigns, and a deadly duel as a major anniversary draws near.

Episodes

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