Hello, Reader.
With the recent debates over birthright citizenship making waves, you might be wondering: How did this principle come to define American identity? And how does our ability to move freely—through passports and citizenship—connect us to our nation’s past?
In Episode 255, historian Martha S. Jones uncovers the history of the 14th Amendment, which established birthright citizenship in the United States. She explores how African Americans, immigrants, and others have fought to define and defend their place in the nation. This context adds so much depth to today’s headlines.
Meanwhile, in Episode 076, we travel back to early America with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal to learn how passports began as tools of trust and became symbols of national belonging. It’s a fascinating look at how we’ve defined who can move freely and how that reflects our values as a society.
🎧 Explore these thought-provoking episodes:
What do you think?
How does history help you make sense of today’s debates about citizenship and belonging?
I’d love to hear your perspective—just hit ‘Reply’ to share your thoughts. Or join our Facebook community to connect with fellow history lovers.
Cheers,
Liz Covart
Host, Ben Franklin’s World
