Episode 315: History and American Democracy

What has enabled the American experiment in democracy to endure for nearly 250 years?

What is it about early American history that captivates peoples’ attention and makes them want to support the creation of historical scholarship and the sharing of historical knowledge?

David M. Rubenstein, the co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group and a great student and supporter of history and history education, joins us to explore his patriotic philanthropy and the history of American democracy with details from his book, The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream.

This episode is supported by an American Rescue Plan grant to the Omohundro Institute from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

David M. Rubenstein , the co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, is a great student and avid supporter of history and history education. He joins us to discuss his philanthropic work and to explore the history of American democracy with details from his book, The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream.

During our exploration, David reveals ideas about the American experiment in democracy and what has helped this experiment to endure; Key attributes of American democracy and why some of those attributes are under threat and being stress tested; And, details about his philanthropy when it comes to history and why he has a desire to support history education.

What You’ll Discover

How David Rubenstein became interested in history
The importance of curiosity
The American experiment
What founding fathers thought of the republic and its chances for survival
Role of founding documents in American democracy
Adaptability of the founding documents
Key “genes” or characteristics of American democracy
Durability of American democracy
United States Constitution
Threats and dangers to American democracy
Miracles of American democracy
Partisanship in democracy
Collecting historical documents and books
David’s “patriotic philanthropy”
Stone copies of the Declaration of Independence
Bunker Hill Monument and its 19th-century visitor logs
Ideas for how small history institutions can support themselves
The importance of mixing history, humanities, science, and curiosity
Government support for history and history organizations
How to get involved with “patriotic philanthropy”
What we can do to become more well-informed citizens

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Sponsor Links

Support Ben Franklin’s World

Join Us!! Become a Ben Franklin’s World Member. Subscribe and help us bring history right to your ears!

Complementary Episodes

Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if John Dickinson had supported the move for Independence in 1776 and had written the Declaration of Independence instead of Thomas Jefferson? How do you think the founding of the United States might be different?