Acclaimed historian Edward Ayers discusses his new book "American Visions: The United States 1800-1860." Here, Ayers explains how “key elements” of American life, politics, and culture “crystallized” between 1800 and 1860.

Ayers succeeds in providing both detail and the big picture, frankly describing the marginalization of and great harm done to women, African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants. He also chronicles how men and women fought against these problems, some making positive changes in their lifetimes, while others laid the groundwork for future reforms.

Ayers’ accurate, balanced, and compelling history proves that progress is possible and that patriotism can be rooted in the complicated truths about the past.

This live event was recorded on 11/16/2023 at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.