On 4 July 1776, "Independence Day", the Thirteen Colonies declared their independence from the British Crown. Independence required more than just a Declaration, however, and it had to be literally fought for in the Revolutionary War. "No More Kings" was an essential aim, but how would the new republic be created? How would rights and justice be secured? With hindsight, the "great experiment" of the United States of America was a success, and ultimately established the fundamental rights enjoyed by Americans today. This talk considers the challenges and opportunities of inventing a self-governing nation, particularly one that idealized liberty. 

Dr Wendy Toon is a historian of the United States of America. Her research focusses on modern American History, especially World War II, Propaganda, Sports History, highlighting sports' inherent Americanness, and Women's History concentrating on women and war. Her most recent publication is "Probably the Most Perfect Symbol of Our Democracy": The Army, Sports, and the Re-education of German Youth during the Early American Occupation of Germany, 1945-1946.