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Smithsonian Associate Jon Grinspan, Wide Awakes

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

Welcome to another compelling episode of the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. Today, we delve into a riveting chapter of American history with Smithsonian historian Jon Grinspan, as we explore the story of the Wide Awakes—an extraordinary political movement that shaped the trajectory of our nation in the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War.  Smithsonian Associate Jon Grinspan, a returning guest, and Curator of Political History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution will be appearting at Smithslonian Associates coming up.  Please check out our show notes today for more information about Jon Grinspan’s upcoming Smithsonian Assocaites presentation, titled, “The Wide Awakes: The Forgotten Force the Spurred the Civil War.” and available at Apple Books.  But we have Smithsonian Associate Jon Grinspan today, to tell us more about his new book, ‘Wide Awake,” and his presentation at Smithsonian Associates.

At the dawn of the 1860 presidential campaign, a small group of fervent young Northerners emerged to protect anti-slavery speakers from violent attacks. These individuals, calling themselves the Wide Awakes, quickly grew into a massive movement, attracting hundreds of thousands of young men and women from diverse backgrounds. They marched through cities with torch-lit processions, their uniforms and disciplined formations creating a striking visual spectacle that captured the nation’s attention.

But the impact of the Wide Awakes extended far beyond their impressive marches. They became a powerful symbol of the fight for majority rule, the defense of free speech, and the relentless push against the institution of slavery. Their efforts played a critical role in the election of Abraham Lincoln and set the stage for the seismic shifts that would soon engulf the nation in civil war.

In today's episode, Smithsonian Associate Jon Grinspan takes us on a journey through his latest book, "Wide Awake," providing a nuanced examination of this influential movement. We will uncover how the

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