Documents of Destiny

Educators and historians from Princeton, UC Davis, and the Naval Academy introduce this genealogical tracing of the roots of American independence through key historical documents, including the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, the writings of John Locke, state constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and others. Viewers learn how each document built upon its predecessor, creating a wealth of political philosophy for the country's founders to draw upon when they set out to draft a constitution for the fledgling nation. Illustrated with period paintings, woodcuts, and lithographs, Documents of Destiny effectively captures the social and political milieus of the periods in which these documents were created as well as the influences that shaped them. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (L. Stevens)