Gordon Wood: The Confederacy Politics Behind Slave Trade
Chautauqua Institution - Chautauqua Amphitheater
In collaboration with Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture The sesquicentennial of the Civil War in 2011 offers an opportunity to rethink its significance with regard to the evolution of U.S. society, American identity, and race. Focusing on the path to the Civil War, what issues, confronted but unsolved by our nation's founders, led within less than a century to war between the states and challenged the young country's very survival? Character-interpreters, storytellers, historians, and present-day experts will illumine the controversies and tensions that led to the Civil War and will reflect on how these issues continue to shape our society today.

Chautauqua, according to the late, great Teddy Roosevelt, is "the most American thing in America." It's also the country's oldest ideas festival. Since its founding in 1874, Chautauqua has attracted the likes of Amelia Earhart, FDR and Susan B. Anthony. The rich tradition continues in 2011. Speakers include New York Times contributor Stanley Fish, groundbreaking religious commentator Karen Armstrong, leading foreign policy analyst Robin Wright, noted historian Gordon Wood and several others. Take advantage of this exclusive offer from FORA.tv and the Chautauqua Institution, and join the discussion as these important thought leaders address the most pressing issues facing America and the world.