Revolutionary War Dinner Series, Prof. Matt Goldberg

Revolutionary War Dinner Series
presented by Matt Goldberg
February 20, March 13, and April 10
6-8 p.m.

Oldham County History Center
Rob Morris Chapel Education Building, 207 West Jefferson, LaGrange, KY
$35 per person, per lecture, includes dinner
America250 Series

Join us for this series of lectures by University of Louisville Assistant Professor Matt Goldberg on the Revolutionary War Series which set the framework of democracy for a new nation.  These series of lectures begin with the Revolutionary War through the War of 1812; a period that defined the boundaries of the United States, emerging as a political and economic force on an international level. 

Matt Goldberg is an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he teaches United States and American military history from 1500-present. His work examines the relationship between European military theory and practice and its impact upon American wartime experiences during the period. In addition, he has taught courses on ancient world history, American political history, and modern German history for more than a decade. His primary faculty appointment is in the University Libraries where he publishes on the intersection of history and academic librarianship, with a focus on the information behaviors of faculty historians.

Lecture #1: Balanced on a Knife Edge: The American Revolution, Feb. 20, 2025

Summary: Following the French and Indian War’s conclusion in 1763, American identities began to coalesce in opposition to the British political and economic policies aimed at her colonies. Beginning with the outbreak of violence at Lexington and Concord in 1775 and largely ending with victory at Yorktown in 1781, the American Revolutionary War was fought from the icy rivers of Canada to the hot swamps of the southern colonies. In this lecture, the campaigns, battles, and the leaders of the opposing forces will be examined to place the war in its global context, grasp the nature of fighting in North America, and better understand how American armies survived long enough to triumph over the globe-spanning power of Great Britain.

Lecture #2: Prelude to Power: The Northwest Indian Wars, Mar. 13, 2025

Summary: After its victory in the Revolution, the new American republic embarked on a series of wars that continued its pre-independence expansionist aims at the expense of the native tribes in the Old Northwest. These wars, beginning in earnest in 1785 and ending with the death of Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames in 1813 involves a series of confused, protracted, and brutal campaigns that drastically changed the territories that now encompass several modern states, as well as the people who inhabited the area. Examining war leaders like Arthur St. Clair, Blue Jacket, William Henry Harrison, Little Turtle, and many others, this lecture will discuss why America pushed for the conquest of these areas, the native leaders who resisted their encroachments and the ultimate fate of their efforts.

Lecture #3: Between Two Fires: America in the War of 1812, April 10, 2025

Summary: As a global war raged between Napoleonic France and Great Britain, the fledging United States found itself caught in the middle of the maelstrom. Insulted by both sides and forced to carefully tread its own path, American internal political interests clashed as well, eventually leading to a declaration of war against its former colonial overlord. Begun with towering confidence and far too much bravado, the War of 1812 quickly humbled the United States; a string of disastrous campaigns culminated with the burning of the capital in 1814. Examining these campaigns as well as the leaders on both sides of the Atlantic will place the war in its international context, why defeat did not engender disgrace, and how the United States emerged from the war more assured of its future than ever before.

This is a pre-registration event- no registration at the door , limited seating :  $35 per person, per lecture, includes dinner.  Ticket sales through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/america250-battles-of-the-republic-3971483. Call the Oldham County History Center 502-222-0826 or email:  info@oldhamkyhistory.com for more information. This event takes place at the Rob Morris Chapel Education Building on the Oldham County History Center campus.

What is the America250 Series? The America250 Series honors the 250^th Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Oldham County History Center is developing programs around this theme leading up to the Declaration’s Anniversary, July 4, 2026.

Oldham County History Center, 106 N. Second Ave., LaGrange, KY. 40031, info@oldhamkyhistory.com     www.oldhamkyhistory.com