Yard sign reading "Happy 250th Birthday" in red, white and blue with a fireworks design, set against a blue sky

Labor Day Special: The US celebrates 250 years

Full Episode
49:57

A “Happy 250th Birthday” sign is seen near the entrance at Lucky Patriot Fireworks in Batavia, Ohio, June 30, 2026.

Carolyn Kaster/AP/File photo

As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it’s been 250 years since the nation was founded. We look at a defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence promoting “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that was meant to resonate beyond the US. Also, a conversation about how the US’ current political fault lines have colonial roots. And, a discussion about the role North America’s sovereign tribal nations played in the American Revolution, and the impact that it had on Indigenous people around the world. Plus, we commemorate the anniversary by listening to songs that arrived from overseas and became a part of early American history.

In This Episode

How the American Revolution kicked off a global ‘Age of Revolutions’
11:52
Two songs woven into the nation’s origin story
1:33
The US’ current political fault lines have colonial roots
8:16
Teaching the American Revolution abroad
5:50
Indigenous nations and the American Revolution
10:57
How global forces helped shape American democracy
7:12