300 1776: Revolution and Independence
History | Available (Membership Required)
The events that transpired in North America in 1776 were nothing short of incredible, with profound consequences for this nation and indeed for the entire world. Thirteen separate American colonies found enough common ground to launch a united bid for independence from Great Britain and then justified that decision in a brilliant document that launched the era of democratic government and inspired other nations around the world. Now, on the 250th anniversary of that remarkable year, it is appropriate to look once again at the events that led up to the Declaration of Independence, the military campaigns that kept the dream of independence alive, and the sweeping impact of the document itself, both then and now.
Reddick Toomey
Steve Reddick taught American history at Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge from 1984-2019. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in history at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and University College, Cork, Ireland. he also completed a year of postgraduate study at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. Steve has co-taught the Mira Kimmelman Holocaust Education class for ORICL, as well as courses on the U.S. and the Holocaust, Controversial Presidential Elections in U.S. History, and the Scopes Trial.
Michael Toomey graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 1980. He moved to Knoxville in 1981 and completed his doctoral degree in U.S. history at the University of Tennessee in 1991. He is Professor Emeritus at Lincoln Memorial University, where he was professor of history and Assistant Dean of the Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. He worked previously at Knoxville College, the East Tennessee Historical Society, and as managing editor of The Journal of East Tennessee History. Mike has taught several history classes for ORICL, including The Lewis and Clark Expedition, The Legacy of George Armstrong Custer, The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Controversial Presidential Elections in U.S. History, and the Scopes Trial.