Episode 258: Jane Calvert, John Dickinson Life, Religion, & Politics

The Second Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776 with 12 colonies and one abstention. The delegation from New York abstained from the vote. And Pennsylvania voted in favor of independence because two of its delegates were persuaded not to attend the vote given their opposition.

John Dickinson was one of the two delegates who absented himself from the vote. Later, he would refuse to sign the Declaration of Independence. But why?

Jane Calvert, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Kentucky and the Director/Editor of The John Dickinson Writings Project, joins us to explore the life, religion, and political views of John Dickinson.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Jane Calvert, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Kentucky and the Director/Editor of The John Dickinson Writings Project, joins us to explore the life, religion, and political views of John Dickinson.
During our conversation, Jane reveals information about John Dickinson’s Quaker upbringing and education; Details about how Dickinson’s Quaker upbringing and education informed his politics and fueled his desire to help common people; And, what John Dickinson’s politics really were and why America’s first internationally famous political celebrity refused to vote for independence.

What You’ll Discover

  • John Dickinson
  • Dickinson’s desire to educate and write for common people
  • Quakerism and its influence in Dickinson’s life
  • John Dickinson’s childhood
  • Dickinson’s earliest and most influential teachers
  • Mary Cadwalader Dickinson
  • John Dickinson’s legal and political career
  • Quaker influences in Dickinson’s legal and political career
  • Mary Norris Dickinson
  • Marry Norris Dickinson’s influence on John Dickinson’s politics
  • John Dickinson and feminism
  • John Dickinson’s draft of the Articles of Confederation
  • Dickinson’s views on slavery

 

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Listener Meet Up

Sponsor Links

Complementary Episodes

 

Time Warp PlainTime Warp Question

 

In your opinion, what if John Dickinson had remained a bachelor? If he hadn’t met and married Mary Norris and formed relationships with her female relatives, what would John Dickinson’s politics have looked like?

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion?

Get in Touch! Send me an e-mail, tweet, or leave a comment.

Listen!

Enjoy the Podcast?

Why Not Listen regularly through one of these apps?

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Google Podcasts | Listen to Stitcher

Ratings & Reviews

If you enjoy this podcast, please give it a rating and review.

Positive ratings and reviews help bring Ben Franklin's World to the attention of other history lovers who may not be aware of our show

Click here to rate & review on iTunes | Click here to rate & review on Stitcher

More from this show

Subscribe