Jon Meacham Interview: On the Struggles that Define America

Jon Meacham explains why all history comes out of conflict and explores how the soul of America is shaped by the dueling forces of “our better angels” and our worst instincts by drawing from examples that include: Reconstruction after the Civil War, the rise and fall of the KKK and the creation of the NAACP.
Jon Meacham is a renowned presidential historian, contributing writer for The New York Times Book Review, contributing editor at TIME, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and of the Society of American Historians, Meacham is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University. He has written for The New York Times op-ed page, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Garden & Gun. Meacham is also a regular guest on “Morning Joe” and other broadcasts. Born in Chattanooga in 1969, Meacham graduated from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, with a degree in English literature. He previously worked as a reporter for the Chattanooga Times, an editor-in-chief at Newsweek, and an executive editor at Random House. A trustee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, The McCallie School, and The Harpeth Hall School, Meacham chairs the National Advisory Council of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University.
From the HBO / Kunhardt Film Foundation (KFF) Documentary “The Soul of America.” Based on Jon Meacham's bestseller that illuminates our present-day fraught political reality by exploring historical challenges, including the women's suffrage movement, the incarceration of Japanese Americans, McCarthyism, and the fight for Civil Rights.
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Jon Meacham, Presidential Biographer and Historian
Interviewed by: Katie Davison
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:07 Importance of implication
01:04 History out of conflict
02:25 The Constitution
04:18 The American experiment
07:09 Reconstruction
09:33 Appomattox
11:46 The Lost Cause
13:19 Uniting the Union
14:42 Lincoln
15:46 Andrew Johnson
17:13 The Civil War
18:22 Unite the Right rally
19:36 War of ideas
23:40 Confederate monuments
25:02 White supremacy
25:32 Religion in The Lost Cause
27:02 Fighting The Lost Cause
30:06 Importance of history
32:16 The KKK
43:55 Woodrow Wilson
44:51 The NAACP
45:32 W.E.B. Du Bois
47:40 Al Smith
48:58 Nativism
49:46 The Red Scare
51:58 Attacks on the press
53:39 Five elements that shape an era
55:30 Scopes trial
57:17 Fall of the KKK
01:00:31 Harding and Coolidge on race and equality
01:04:01 ​​Women’s suffrage movement
01:10:22 Women’s rights today
01:11:51 Patience and persistence
01:15:29 Listening to activists
01:16:39 FDR
01:26:09 Ego in the presidency
01:26:55 Populism in the 1930s
01:30:41 Fear in the 1930s
01:32:11 Totalitarianism
01:33:12 Woodrow Wilson and the Lost Cause
01:34:17 Birth of a Nation
01:35:39 Overcoming stereotypes
01:36:47 Growing up in the South
01:40:16 Cultivating curiosity
01:42:23 Grandfather’s influence
01:45:06 Journalism
01:48:23 Relationship with politics
01:50:57 Career trajectory
01:52:55 Finding journalism
01:54:54 Soul of America
01:57:21 Being a writer
01:59:13 Perennial forces in the 1920s
02:00:07 Politicians and their base
02:01:03 FDR
02:03:03 The presidency
02:04:11 Internment of Japanese Americans
02:06:26 The isolationist movement of the 1940s
02:08:42 Handling crisis
02:10:08 FDR’s death
02:12:15 Eleanor Roosevelt
02:13:42 The dual nature of reality
02:14:34 Joseph Stilwell
02:15:16 Learning from history
02:17:12 Social reform
02:18:35 Private and public working together
02:20:54 America’s extremes
02:21:55 McCarthyism
02:24:27 Politics as entertainment
02:25:08 Failure of McCarthyism
02:26:26 Conservative movements of the 1950s
02:27:33 Conspiracy theories of the 1950s
02:28:09 The Civil Rights Act
02:30:50 Civil Rights in the post-war era
02:32:08 Lyndon B. Johnson
02:40:06 Cause for change
02:41:53 MLK
02:42:34 The Selma Marches
02:45:54 George Wallace
02:50:35 Lyndon B. Johnson’s last speech
02:51:30 Divisiveness in American
02:53:51 Progress made between the 1860s and the 1960s
02:55:32 LBJ not running for re-election
02:56:23 Lessons
© Home Box Office and Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
#JonMeacham #kunhardtfilmfoundation

[@s-c..]

I don’t know why this video keeps playing randomly overnight, but I’m not at all annoyed by it. Jon Meacham’s such an impressive and appealing human.

[@bjorno7573]

It plays Every night for me as well… I fall asleep with things I listen to on KZbin,,,, and thus gentleman always wakes me up :).. ps not a bad thing

[@arcadiajeff]

This has place three times now overnight, I love it, why does it keep coming up.?

[@RobertTrask-uu8dd]

Same here

[@fathergoose5859]

Same

[@robbymonaco3738]

Every president should have a grasp of history that this man does.

[@moosemagic3429]

Glwt. 😌

[@hollihawk1]

I would to see a discussion between this gentleman and Victor Davis Hanson.

[@KaraBaker-ux3wr]

I wish everyone in the US would watch this and remember history. I can’t sleep because so many people don’t know history which dooms us to repeat it. Please pass this on. I am praying that we learn from the past and make a better future. Thank you for reminding everyone about what we have already been through.

[@shang0h]

More important than ever, as America has been smothered in a combination of amplified and falsified fears for over 3 years straight. And the rest of us are terrified of the fearful. We're in the lowest information voter situation probably since the invention of the telegraph.

[@AllanBell-si9hp]

This world is like a dream biblically that you can never wake up from? Living in white America is like a nightmare you can't wake up from but can feel everything? America's damnation is it can't change spiritually as a nation because like Satan it was this way from the beginning. Thus, the world (the roman white surpremist) crucified Jesus Christ not for the coming kingdom he preached but simply because he was not born white and Satan's hate for Jesus Christ on the cross was for his race on the cross also, Jesus Christ has judged the nation and said himself that the 🌎 will get worse and worse until it's destroyed. Being born white is for a reason, not a privilege, and the reason is not to act, think, or do what they do? America's damnation is that it can't change spiritually. Being born white is not all it's cracked up to be not being white is all it's cracked up to be: human.

[@TheGuinever]

It’s unfortunate that we, as humans,are so incapable of admitting when we ARE wrong, considering it’s true more often than not.

[@letzigstudio]

To answer that cliché question, "Who would you like to be seated next to at a dinner party?" I often reply, "Jon Meacham". His calm, rational, academically rich, life's work has educated, informed and grounded me often during recent turbulent times. I tip my hat, Mr. Meacham.

[@irmafacundo7107]

Thank you Mr.Jon for telling us about our historical USA development ..I could listen to you every week as a series...I would gladly sit with my grandchildren of age just as if watching a cartoon...

[@mykeyoh1536]

I was born in the summer of 1965; just after the Civil Rights Act and just before Voting Rights. Although we didn't know it at the time, we grew up privileged in suburban Southern California. NONE of what the esteemed Mr. Meacham is saying here mattered AT ALL to us as kids when we were growing up. All we wanted to do back then was smoke weed, listen to Zeppelin, and surf. We literally all thought racism was over and just something in the history books that didn't matter to us. Our parents were born in 1928, grew up during the Great Depression, and graduated High School in 1945; just as WW2 ended. They would try to talk to us, but we didn't listen. Watching this, I feel like I'm sitting at Grandpa Floyd's knee as he's telling me about "the olden days". Only this time, I'm actually listening to him. "How did we get here?" Well, let's look at where we've been. I'm only 40 minutes into this post and am loving every second of it. THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. MEACHAM for sharing your incredible wealth of knowledge here. It's three hours long, and I already know I'm going to be watching the entire thing several more times !!! thanks again. Sincerely, -mike 👏👏👏👍✌🌊

[@jeffwylie5899]

An incredible intellect, historian and story-teller. Wow!

[@yvonneleach9650]

How amazing is Jon Meacham?!

[@Northcountry1926]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@tammyburke9453]

Jon Meacham is a National Treasure ❤

[@Veronica-je9qj]

What nation? Certainly, not America. He's full of garbage history.

[@lorihayes1419]

Should be viewed by every American. The real, unvarnished history of this country must be taught in order for us to see the past as a way to purposefully steer away from past pitfalls and continue to move this country forward. Thank you Jon Meecham. Your knowledge and insight are appreciated. Your humanity, your commitment to this democracy and your optimism is encouraging as well.

[@mwhitney9532]

I could not agree more. The man's vast wisdom and understanding of his history is of paramount importance in this MAGA moment.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@LS-im5ki]

You said it , thanks...Ignorance is its own cell

[@thedude-jb7wx]

Only thing you need to know is that every thing that was done with a lack of compassion and racist etc would be what the republican party is today CASE CLOSED. Im a Christian America the only difference is i memorized the capitals and presidents at age 9 and took history and government and watched comedians such as George Carling and listened to Hunter S Thompson. SNAKE ROGER STONE THE BDSM SWINGER IS THE SOUL OF TODAYS LYING REPUBLICAN. SENSATIONALISM IS THEIR NEW SOUP LIKE THIS MOVIE CRY OF FREEDOM. YEAH IF REPUBLICANS CARED SO MUCH ABOUT THAT EPSTEIN AND HIS ISLAND WOULDVE ENDED LONG LONG TIME AGO SPARE ME. It has been designed as the new GRIFT CASE CLOOOSED! Thats not of God !

[@rachelerynkalish2207]

Jon is a national treasure. This video ought to be required in civics classes which we desperately need. Thank u for following your fate Jon. I always learn so much and develop more empathy and patience for our wild time. 💝💝

[@scottharrison812]

What a lovely speaking voice: wisdom, gravitas and concern embodied.

[@kellywaller8829]

I could listen to this gentleman explain anything. His voice is so calming, yet engaging at the same time. If he was a professor of mine, I would be completely captivated by his lectures.

[@elainsmith2032]

I was thinking exactly that. I'd love to have a long chat with him.

[@dross24MA]

What a relief from the current plethora of hysterics and screamers. I love how calm and concise he is in his describing, explaining, and gentle teaching.

[@amenra13]

Did you not understand American history until this armchair presentation?

[@s.d.3492]

Imagine if trump had just a smidgeon of Mr Meacham’s intellect!

[@dross24MA]

@@amenra13 Oh, yes, studied and understood but still appreciate him/his presentation.

[@birdsndog5932]

Gentle, but powerful.

[@janetives5470]

Yes. There is a great deal of ignorance around. History books in high school is more reader’s digest than not. Some people like to continue to learn. Some don’t… they close their mind to further insight.

[@kathrynoreilly6064]

Jon Meacham is a wonderful historian. I could listen to him forever

[@user-os9ge2we2b]

Victor David Hansen is the greatest living historian. He also didn't grow up in the elite class like meacham.

[@janetives5470]

Never heard of him. How about posting something of his?

[@michaelclennan8425]

Jon is an example why books should be read not banned or burned or ignored.

[@BriC7]

He's also the reason WHY they want to ban books. They do not want truth. They want power, and "dumbing-down" of the education system, will ensure future generational ignorance. If you don't KNOW/THINK there's a problem, then you can't FIX the problem. Hello again, to slavery.

[@damarisrodriguez5118]

💯

[@user-os9ge2we2b]

He's a great example of how people with high intelligence can be stupidly wrong. Like Sam Harris, this man suffers from TDS.

[@Anabee3]

MICHAEL CLENNAN: Jon Beacham's book cannot be compared to books such as "Gender Queer", "Its perfectly natural", etc. The Trumpy's made a HUGELY mistake lumping together EXCELLENT American classics such as: "....Rosa Parks" & Tom Sawyer". I mean, what books did they THINK AOC would hold up as examples, when she held up the carefully books that she did, I know I wasn't the only one screaming; "NOW SHOW THE PORN-FOR-CHILDREN BOOKS!!". There is no better example of the definition of FALSE EQUIVALENCY. (Just FYI; In general, I like AOC as a person. She's SO bright, talented, tough as boot letter, but extremely polite & considerate &has such an ambition for what she GENUINELY believes is right in her tender, generous heart. And I dont follow donkey, nor an elephant...I follow a LAMB.

[@Deaflordezrevenge]

💯%

[@patrickquibodeaux4438]

Damn, that was amazing. Meacham and I are 8 months apart in age. I like to think I look at the world the way he does, but he sees a lot more than I do. He also sees progress where I am cynical.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@laurag.2148]

Jon you have done so much to explain the story of your Country! I admire and respect you very much! ❤️🇨🇦

[@Canuckmom128]

I couldn’t agree more. Jon is an erudite voice of reason, in a sea of chaos and lunacy. 👍⭐️🇨🇦

[@janetives5470]

Yes. The civil war is well known and understood. The period following is not.

[@Northcountry1926]

Agreed 🇺🇸🇨🇦… America bring forth the Greatness of your better self !

[@djayejournay1882]

I appreciate Meacham so much. Very informative. Needs a wider audience, but I'm just glad I found it.

[@beckystone7994]

Me too 👍! What a treasure Mr Meacham is to our country with his knowledge of our country ! I’m glad he made thus documentary so that history students and scholars will have benefit of this great man’s knowledge and understanding of our countries history !!

[@user-op9iv5eo2i]

If only we could learn from the lessons we have lived in my lifetime of 64 years....History is key to be taught and understood so that we may evolve.

[@paddynair6446]

brilliant analysis of various president's and their motivation!

[@elizabethwalker8777]

Full gratitude for this clarity on the prevailing collective mindset.

[@ceoa]

I am glad that he explained more about Lyndon Johnson. I always thought that he never got the respect that he deserved. He had real courage, did many things for people of color, and was never really shown appreciation for that. I hate that He and Martin Luther King would be rolling over in their graves now.

[@MichaelFlynn0]

Thankyou Jon Meacham

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@Brobinson2007]

This is exactly how children should learn American History. So well outlined and concise.

[@southernmostrebel]

Would you say the same thing if he spent the entire time complaining about black people like he spends the entire time complaining about white people??

[@EdgeWalker69]

I can tell you are a bit of what we in the political world refer to as a "Normie". - Chances are you dont use a browser extension that allows you to see the likes and dislikes here on KZbin, but as of writing this; there is 7638 likes, and 11.000 dislikes. This guy is a moron and a personification of so much that is wrong with America. - Listen to this man at your own peril!

[@guitarista67]

@@southernmostrebel That only bothers you if you’re a white racist.

[@Cobbido]

yeah that totally wont just increase division and racism.. totally not

[@EdgeWalker69]

@@southernmostrebel Where to even start with you? This has been going on for YEARS! I remember back in 2015 when the left called it "hate facts" when citing Government statics about black people, and so, it was censored. You guys, including the guy in the video; are living in a fantasy world of CNN, MSNBC propaganda; who will tell you there are “white supremacist” around every street corner waiting to murder black people for no reason... But where are they? What are the facts of who is killing who? Every single time there are racist slues written in the bathroom or a nose tied somewhere, either on these universities or wherever; it turns out it was a false flag, done by the person who reported the so-called “hate incident”. Why are people saying they are black on job and university applications? If there is such "white priviliage" and anti-black sentiment? You are living in the opposite world. Upside down world where noting make sense. The demand for racism is way greater than the supply. So leftist make it up all the time, and amplify it with CNN, MSNBC and idiots like this guy in the video. - You are being manipulated into creating the division in society you decry! YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF THE DIVISION, in America! By refusing to listen facts, reason, and evidence, and declaring "the debate is over", and then implementing radical reforms 75% of the country disagree with, or wasn't even asked about! The censorship, the cultural and more critically; the institutional capture of LGBTQ+/DEI in every single government institution, hobby and entertainment you can think of, is driving the division. Are you guys slowing down, seeking out counterarguments and reconciliation? Maybe the opposition has a few good points to consider, you know? Ofc not, you are speeding up and actually threating Democracy trying to remove the most popular candidate in history from even standing in the election! And I don't mean the hyperbolic CNN MSNBC, "Trump is a threat to Democracy" , The Democrats are actually threating the end of American democracy, to prevent Trump from even running. And you.. The average mindless leftist NPC foot solider: You are becoming even more hysterical in your view of the world as war of races and genders forever locked in struggle of power to oppress the other... Its idiotic! You guys are ruining not only your own country, you're destabilizing the entire world. Also, know this; pretty much every single right-winger across the world, (including myself) was a leftist at some point in their life. What changed, I ask you? Why did they go from people who agree with you, to people disagree? What do you believe if you are “far right”? Like what do you want the world to be like?, if you are “far right” in your optics? And is that really the case? I watch what the left says, and they NEVER define the words they use, or explain how it's bad, they simply declare it, and no questions asked from the NPC leftist masses... Cause the fact that there is ZERO curiosity among leftist to learn why people disagree with them, proves they are not interested in reconciliation, they want power and destabilization at any cost. This man is the personification of the banality of Evil. He is a coward and a collaborator. - The globo-homo regime in the west is dying. It will be crushed under the weight of common sense, logic, reason, and evidence! Nobody care what leftist say or think anymore, your companies, your investment funds, your woke entertainment, the US's position as the global-hegemon is all failing! This year alone, to the tune of HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of dollars! And 2024 looks even worse for your ideology! You have abused all confidence and good will you may have had. And as the left always say; "The debate is over"... And now we have civil war and risk global conflict! Good luck, you're gonna need it!

[@willmanning3819]

This should have so much more views.

[@JB-uv4hm]

Merica

[@CyberspacedLoner]

40 years of de funding education

[@JB-uv4hm]

@@CyberspacedLoner well beyond defunding. People don’t want to learn.

[@MrStangold]

@@JB-uv4hm Be

[@pranalisayoga]

They should be playing this movie in every high school classroom in the country, but guilty racist white supremacists don’t want the truth to be taught.

[@longwaytotipperary]

This man is the most insightful and well spoken voice of American cultural/racial struggles I have come across. I wish everyone would listen.

[@philipciaffa6643]

Time very well spent. Not many with the attention span for this, but his observations and perspectives on the wide sweep of History are rare and most valuable.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@whirlwinds4230]

Not having an attention span is accurate. Says a lot about the American education system. Tragic

[@dsantamaria713]

Couldn't agree more... I haven't enjoyed a speaker with such an honest evaluation of America...

[@truehighs7845]

A very good summary, agreed.

[@johnnydehoyosjr1467]

Incredible focus, just a stunning view of our nation. I am utterly consumed by Mr. Meacham. I truly wish this would be taught in schools. We would certainly understand or place in history. Exceptional.

[@susannunes6196]

He's right about the need of compromise

[@s.d.3492]

He is one of most well-read people, historical facts and quotes just roll off his tongue. This is as captivating as it gets. Love this guy!

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@tammyburke9453]

Captivating! perfect description!

[@dorrenes.missdthetruthtell5342]

EXCELLENT! Thank you, kind Sir!

[@nancysalars5857]

No one brings history to life like Jon Meacham, a true Mensch!

[@Boogra]

If you learnt anythign new from any of this, you clearly haven't been keeping up.

[@judithlopez3038]

My youtube rolled over to this after I listened to PBS news. I was working on something on my PC while this was on my TV in the background. I got drawn in to sitting to watch and listen to it. If only everyone was taught our history with this clarity and depth.I had to share it with a friend I respect. Thank you for this show.We need our citizens to be educated about our history.

[@candiceleerobey8360]

That’s how I discovered Jon- and I’m delighted.

[@cocosworld7141]

I've never seen or heard of this man before. Omg he's freaking awesome

[@danielfrazier6548]

You are an American Gem I could listen to you for hours; do not let your knowledge be forgotten

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@lseh4720]

Share this with those who won’t read. At least they can listen. Then, ask them to watch every single Ken Burns documentary.

[@briangordon3877]

This interview is both inspirational and give me hope for a kinder American future. Meecham also explains the nature of leadership.

[@sheilasmith1109]

Meacham not only is a marvelous writer but his interviews are very captivating!

[@karenlee2565]

Leadership of the white man for sure

[@dongreenlee675]

1915 to 1925 sounds a lot like 2015 to 2023. Substitute the KKK for MAGA and it really begins to sound the same. Why has half of America traveled 100 years into the past? The arguments are exactly the same. John Meacham has always been a favorite of mine. Now I see his true genius, this should be required watching for every American. Hate, however runs deep, 250 years worth of depth in America. I wish I knew the answer, but I believe education that involves the real history of this country is paramount!

[@hollihawk1]

Really? You actually believe the KKK of the 1920's could even be remotely associated with a political party today? If so, then the Progressive wing of the Democrat party would most resemble that detestable bygone group from a hundred years ago.

[@user-eo9df3tm7n]

Maybe ask some of them? I've learned more about how someone ticks by just talking to them.

[@user-jk3eo2mj3h]

Jon Meacham has just garnerd a new fan and funny as it were his father was a law graduate and he both lawyer and historian from Chattanooga and I a history buff also born in Chattanooga and raised by My Grandfather who was Clerk of the Court in Okeechobee Florida .

[@Mdl384]

Amen! Provided me some peace remembering we are just a drop in the bucket of history! ❤

[@brandondowd4631]

Such a great way to move through key points in US history in a thoughtful way. This reminds me to go back and study some of those important points in history for which I know too little.

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@Ibiron]

Very calming in the mist of all this chaos on a rainy day here in TN.

[@mariamysoul]

All schools should watch this . thanks for making it available for free. Maybe making it into a few chapters in a playlist will make it even easier for teachers to use.

[@chetingerx]

Very edifying conversation. Greetings from Spain.

[@saadkhalil4098]

This is an awesome lesson on the American history. I have viewed/listened to the full video. It is amazing how he analyzed history and presented his analysis in easy to understand language devoid of complex jargon.

[@morganrose4149]

😊

[@marytaylor2702]

Thank you Jon Meachem for helping to lift me from, at times, despair and confusion. A wise and steady voice in the wilderness. Just finishing AND THERE WAS LIGHT. Thank you for that 🙏

[@auntlala4971]

I am going to show this to my grandchildren ❤️

[@barbaramead5638]

The book was good. Jon’s voice is wonderful to listen to & added information really timely!!

[@tammyburke9453]

I thank God I found Jon Meacham. His thoughtful words r calming in these tumultous times. I draw srength and have faith bc of his perspectives and historical references. LOVE HIM ❤❤❤❤

[@dsantamaria713]

What a brilliant, honest, interview...

[@charlesstrong3866]

Jon Meacham is just a good guy! I could sit and listen to him speak historically about our fairly young republic. I would sit and listen to him regularly even if it was on the radio. He tells the American story truthfully but in a way that's palatable by which I mean, the lay person can digest it, even the painful parts. It's as if he educates with his storytelling and doesn't cheapen it with dramatic effect to hold the listener. You just want to listen because of the content and his delivery which feels very conversational.

[@Ketowski]

So important even years later. Much needed perspective on how the parties were more balanced within, to some extent. Suggestions for how to move forward, or appreciate steps being made by many today to move forward.

[@pam18ram]

Thank you for your study, insightful thought, intelligent response to human inclination and how our country developed.

[@marcusburtner1410]

This is lovely and a model for creating a society based in dialog. Great job.

[@RickBowman]

This should be required watching in school....Mr. Meacham is truly a treasure

[@denisegomez755]

I agree, this history is so important.

[@homeyleclerk4632]

Be a good American citizen and listen to the mind of a man who knows way more than we ever will. We'll have no future without knowing, learning and Not forgetting how we came to this moment. #History

[@skinnie2838]

4:27 lol @ this leftist propaganda. They attack straight white men who are magically "privileged" somehow and geniuses like this guy help them push that lie forward. Unreal.

[@homeyleclerk4632]

@@Ghe608 Thank you for your thoughtful expansion, Ghe. I see 'racist every day': most whites cannot see or comprehend their abject failure to imagine someone who looks, sounds, behaves apart from them just might want, oh, economic security, fairness in the workplace, the traffic stop [& courtroom], the school and the retail arena. Everything many of us take for granted- not least me. We're all the same under the skin people but by God TX Gov GrAbott is suing over the lethal Rio water barrier. 7M American men won't get off the couch, meth or the scam that is the govt teat. To a woman/man, every Immigrant I know and worked with with is a better American than those 7M could ever aspire to be. From Lindsay Graham on down there is zero shame remaining in our beloved nation. I hope yoi are well today. @NealKatyel2024 🙏

[@stevetrammell6403]

A prophet and true patriot. I had one or two lecturers this good in college.

[@randivester6949]

I could listen to him all day long, and I did!!🎊

[@christinefarrell166]

This man is amazing….I just stumbled upon this podcast, I will definitely start following him.

[@andrewhoang4303]

If just half the country knew our country's history as well as he does....we wouldn't need to cling on to it

[@shielanunn3484]

Wouldn't fly in Florida or here in Texas..

[@alexhiguera5460]

Remarkable lecture of US history.

[@BarbaraatQueensAvenueTarot]

Brilliant. Thanks John. Loved it.

[@shielanunn3484]

Came to this country Aboard SSAmerica 1962..As so many before me past Miss Liberty and her Promise of Freedom..Liberty and Justice..Directly from UK to Montgomery Alabama under Total Segregation..Despite the struggles and the promises ..Underneath it all The Struggle Continues..At the heart of it remains the same, The Power Of Rich White MEN..to Make the Laws

[@WhitmoreReads]

I would definitely use this if I were a teacher to discuss with my students. ❤

[@mlight6845]

This video answers my question of why racism continued after the Civil War. Losing the war did not change white southerners perspective that their belief was wrong. What they learned was might does not make right.

[@Texasguy316]

Racism has been around since the fall of man. Racism has been and always will be an issue with all colors of people. The war and post war had nothing to do with racism.

[@patriot20000]

Actually, they didn't learn much. I lived in VA for a while. They are still reliving it. I grew up in NY and was never taught in school or by friends or relatives to hate southerners. We actually thought nothing more about the Civil War once we learned about it in elementary school. As a kid and young adult I had assumed the whole country had moved on after over 100 years. So what a shock to move to VA and hear the word yankee still being used and that they still haven't gotten over losing the war. Recently in Charleston someone I was speaking with brought it up as "The war of northern agression". That is what They were taught. Omg. Sadly, never the twain shall meet in this country.

[@vinista256]

Are you serious? Did you really think that, just because Lee surrendered, everyone in the South would suddenly throw up their hands and say, “oh, well, we lost-can’t be racist anymore 😃”?

[@shielanunn3484]

One thing cant be legislated ..Ones feelings or emotions

[@hollihawk1]

​@@vinista256 I know right? All dem racist SOB's lived south of the Mason- Dixon line but the north was pure as the driven snow.

[@leealexander3507]

I just found your channel and subscribed mid-video because I love the way you combine history and politics. The way you tell it is something special that's so rare. You have a real gift for telling a story and make it totally relevant and interesting.

[@gwgwgwgw1854]

Jon, I think you are a national treasure.

[@catcardinalli197]

I would love to see John and Ken Burns have a conversation!

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

Seems sincere, I like his candor.

[@chris_iapetus]

What an absolute joy to listen to a mind so finely tuned & attuned simply rove across the landscape of our recent world & speak his mind. I feel significantly more sane than I was feeling an hour ago. Perspective surgery is awesome when it's awesome. Me not quite so wordsmithy.

[@joycegibson6597]

Sometimes words from the peanut gallery are better left in ones mouth, however, he should teach in every high school.

[@brianrollins7368]

io log cv vtyt o miit i😅ofo tv mooijiiiiooioioooooocvoiiiikommmmmmmimmm😅o😅ooooiokliiiiiiioooooii 1:56:00 imiiiimii 1:56:00 iiioiok 1:56:00 iiiomiiiii 1:56:00 ikiooiokiimiiooiiiiiikiiiioiiiiiii 1:56:00 ii 1:56:00 iii.

[@DonnaCsuti-ji2dd]

Yes and every college

[@syovu8189]

I think every American needs to hear this, so many do not have enough historical information and now we are bound to repeat it!

[@jackprick9797]

A lot of thoughtful commentary. Much appreciated, thank you.

[@kelgreen99]

Always excited to hear Meach!!!😊

[@KimberlynCrawford]

This should be taught repeatedly in high school and college. Bravo to Jon Meacham. He is a gentleman and a scholar.

[@bernadettehomerski3561]

As a Canadian, much concerned about my neighbours to the South, I found this presentation such an excellent lesson in history and acceptance of our humanity in the best/worst of decision making. This should be viewed by every American before the election to help get a 1000ft view of what the country looks like today….and it has been ‘here’ and done that many times before. I know you will come through this and be better for it. God bless! We’re rooting for you!

[@Northcountry1926]

Same 🫡🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@susanmaize7229]

I agree with you but I’d caution against any sense of moral superiority in relation to our American neighbours. Canadian history is fraught with all kinds of social wrongs-from the attempted cultural genocide of indigenous peoples through the Indian Act and its subsequent residential school system, the Chinese Head Tax, our longest serving prime minister’s claim that “one Jew is too many” when closing our borders to those trying to escape fascist Germany, and let’s not ignore the fact that slavery existed here until 1837 and we have our very own “Rosa Parks” in Viola Desmond (learn about that lady on our current 10 dollar bill), the 2nd wave of the KKK Meacham talks about infiltrated the Canadian West in the 1920s, etc etc. and we could be smug and say that this is all in the past and we could go along with the wonderfully self-comforting myth that Canadians are a docile and friendly people…..and that would be about as historically revisionist as the MAGA movement’s belief in a “once great America” that they need to return to. We need to be willing, as all fragile democratic states need to be, to self-reflect honestly and continuously about our own flaws, because the current right-wing wave rolling across our country, would suggest he haven’t been. We are as susceptible to the same bigoted rhetoric as anyone else on this planet, because as Meacham rightly points out, we are a fallen people. I say this as a white female Christian retired high school history teacher. I’m not Liberal and I’m not woke, I’m only interested in discovering historical truth from fiction no matter how uncomfortable it is; otherwise we face a perilous future.

[@josephososkie3029]

You’re from Montreal, aren’t you?

[@amandawoods8323]

Greed is the motivation for most problems in society.

[@mikehiggins946]

You're close. Human beings acting and reacting to all of the normal human emotions explains our Country's history. America has a much better history than most because of the system set up by the founding fathers. There is another kind of people, however. These people see themselves as superior morally and intellectually and use history to say "we wouldn't have been driven by the human emotions of the people back then. We would have been then and are now more enlightened than, for instance people who owned slaves or discriminated against minorities. We have a name for this now. We call it being woke. If I'm woke I'm simply better than you because I claim to be for the underdog. I'm not affected by greed, jealousy, fear or any of the weak human failings of those of the past and those unfortunate ynwoke people of today. In my opinion the woke movement is more lethal to our society than any of the problems we have overcome in the past. Racial superiority ultimately doesn't survive because society wont stand for it. The woke thing is so deadly to a Country or even a community or institution surviving because it says, "I am better than you. I am more enlightened and thus more tolerant and accepting of all people than you and because of that I am able to destroy those who don't see things as I claim to. Because of my woke status I am above the law and even above criticism because I am doing the work of the enlightened. My usual tolerance and acceptance does not extend to those who oppose me or act in a way to expose me and my woke movement for what it really is, which is the same as any other movement preaching supremacy by race or religion or skin color. Until we see people as fellow human beings instead of black or female or Jewish or Latino or as simply a member of any group in which we share the exact same beliefs as every other member of my group, we will never solve these problems.

[@RM-ri3wk]

Woke isn't that big of an issue as Fox News makes it. So, your bogeyman that you fear is mostly about your insecurities.

[@margaretf6147]

@@mikehiggins946 Relax! Think of woke as taking your blinders off and seeing what is really going on. No superiority here, not even sure where you would have gotten that notion from in the first place.

[@user-pr8cw7zx1t]

The only Sin that can be attributed to is we human beings ! We invented it as a means to explain the mysteries of diseases and natural phenomena by postulating the notion that invisible Gods or spirit agents ( angels or demons ) were either rewarding or punishing humans for their behaviors ! In the absence of humans there is NO SIN only the survival of life !

[@Orson2u]

NONSENSE. Hitler, like Stalin, believed he was saving humanity’s future by making the German’s fate secure (SEE Brendan Simms recent biography). By contrast, greed is mostly magnificently pro-social, enabling humanity to improve by competing for rewards, as seen in every unintended market order - from the stock market to language evolution to the history of pathfinding,

[@kimgomez8301]

Every president should have to watch this. Loved this ❤

[@sharonscherzer5590]

really enjoyed this because I recognized the world ...i grew up with similar book knowledge and type of environment this is coming from but think his english, tone of voice etc. is almost foreign to the americans of today.....what worries me is the present amount and opportunity for manipulation and the increasingly dominance of dependence on artificial intelligence to the point it could replace in the minds of many the need to think.....allowing a passive acceptance and eventually no feelings of responsibility .....but awareness of a human historical cycle of 'rise and fall' becomes apparent as we uncover literally layers of past and forgotten history.....thank you for a refreshing reminder of all this.

[@leealexander3507]

There always seems to be a faction in our country trying to make us stand still ou take us backward in time. We are now in one of those times when that faction is fighting hard to take up back to some perfect past that never existed.

[@gijane2cantwaittoseeyou203]

Happens in every single country. Poorer countries have stronger conservatives, richer countries have stronger progressives.

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

I loved this 3 + hours of beautiful insight to our history an politics.

[@frankburke6298]

The Wise Men and A Long Row of Candles - two books on politics and history I can recommend. 🇨🇦

[@hollihawk1]

Electing Justin as PM doesn't give Canadians a lot of credibility regarding politics.

[@6798524]

This is a great way of presenting the best and worst of the Demorcratic process. You truley represent all of us no matter what color. You can tell that God, social ethics, and an understanding of a true Demorcratic process runs through you. You have vision, something that very few have. This piece will withstand the test of time.

[@AlfredPeeler-yj6sw]

I could listen to Jon Meacham and Shelby Foote expound on U.S. History for an eternity.

[@janetstilwell6803]

Your assessment of the American experiment has been very insightful. Thank you for your insights!!

[@tythedetailer3650]

this is why I tell people that I am not a teacher, because when I call you out and tell you how and that you are wrong, that's the end of discussion. I am not a debater, I am glad that we have people who have the patience to teach us.

[@DrT22281]

I love this interview

[@frogdogink4415]

So glad to have found this. ☺️ Thank you so very much.

[@josephgnatek5984]

THANKS FOR RESTORING MY WOUNDED BELIEFS IN THE UNITED STATES

[@heidisegelke6243]

I’m addicted to this-partially for content which is the more powerful reason, but partially because Meachum is so damn cute and his telling of it is like a lovely long bedtime story after a bath, in comfy jammies with some warm cookies and a steamy cuppa.

[@AffirmativeArtsOnTheRoad]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@marieclaires.5686]

Highly captivating. Thank you for posting.

[@allrise3056]

So well done. Bravo!

[@lindaroberts8724]

Love this guy we all should read this book

[@tammyburke9453]

LOVE him ❤

[@user-vf6zo9un2p]

Wish my history professor had a grasp of American history the way this man does.

[@ambermackay921]

Outstanding !

[@steeltowngirl4626]

Jon Meacham is brilliant. I've heard he advises President Biden, that he has helped write some of his major speeches.

[@ludwigfox1568]

Ha ha ha ha ha......

[@Texasguy316]

I hope not because that’d be embarrassing. Nothing Biden has ever said is even remotely unifying, smart, true or ethical.

[@patriot20000]

@@Texasguy316 Wow that's one HUGE lie you just told. Figures.

[@howardpage9915]

You are so right. I see the russian trolls are very active here.

[@Texasguy316]

@@patriot20000 then explain what Biden has said that’s unified the country or backed up by stats that make it true. Or by this country’s foundational morals (Christianity) is ethical….name one. Please.

[@carinalundgren]

Thank you for sharing this intresting stories.Love from Sweden ❤

[@M-T-123]

We could start by sharing this presentation in schools