3.9: Mercy Otis Warren and Patrick Henry: Anti-Federalist Antagonists of Constitutional Ratification

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It’s tough to say what most history classrooms emphasize when they cover Constitutional ratification, but our focus will be on its opponents...those individuals who heard about, and often read the results, of what happened in Philadelphia in summer 1787 and were displeased with what they saw.  Keep in mind that the document that emerged from Philadelphia still needed the blessing of the states, hence the process of ratification, so this is what our focus will be today.  In this episode of History: Beyond the Textbook, our last in our arc on transition during this time period, we’ll highlight Mercy Otis Warren and Patrick Henry: the Anti-Federalist Antagonists of Constitutional Ratification.

Key People
Mercy Otis Warren
Patrick Henry
John Adams
Abigail Adams
George Washington
James Madison
George Mason

Key Events/Ideas
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Virginia Resolves
Observations on the New Constitution 

The third season of History: Beyond the Textbook focuses on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Crucial Years" of 1783-1790, and runs from October 8-December 24. Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," and Season Two, "America's Revolution," wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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