Could the American Revolution have been both a fight for human liberty—and for empire and dominance?

Explore the strange duality of the Revolutionary War with historian Lawrence Hatter. Meet the Revolutionary War generation who won huge victories for universal human rights, yet who conquered other humans for territory and treasure. Discover the Battle of Fallen Timbers, where the U.S.’s victory over a Native confederacy led to its ongoing invasion of Indian Country.

As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, how can we celebrate the Founders’ achievements while reconciling with this dissonant past?

Lawrence B. A. Hatter is an award-winning scholar and teacher of Colonial and Revolutionary American history. A native of the United Kingdom, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and currently serves as associate professor of History at Washington State University. He has been published in The Washington Post and TIME magazine. He also writes a regular column for Spokane’s The Inlander newspaper. Lawrence lives in Pullman.

This talk is presented in partnership with Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau and The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs, and is based at Washington State University. For more information, visit The Foley Institute’s website.