

Worlds Turned Upside Down
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Worlds Turned Upside Down tells the story of the American Revolution as a transatlantic crisis and imperial civil war through the lives of people who experienced it. For many modern citizens of the United States, "the cause of America" that gave birth to a new nation in 1776 and the heroic stories we tell ourselves about its founding remains "in great measure the cause of all mankind." But for the people who lived through it, the revolutionary era upended their lives in ways they could have never imagined. The crisis that engulfed the Atlantic world in the late eighteenth century inspired British Americans, Indigenous nations, enslaved Africans and African Americans, Europeans, and other peoples to question their loyalties, challenge authority, seek freedom, and resist revolutionary change.
Worlds Turned Upside Down is narrated and written by Dr. Jim Ambuske.
Worlds Turned Upside Down is narrated and written by Dr. Jim Ambuske.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 21min
Episode 2: The Nadir
Fred Anderson, a noted historian and Professor Emeritus, dives deep into the complexities of the early North American conflicts during the Seven Years' War. He discusses how the Albany Congress failed to unite the colonies and how British commanders faced resistance from colonial governors. The episode highlights Braddock's missteps in wilderness warfare and the impact of his defeat on Indigenous alliances, particularly the shift of the Delawares towards the French. Anderson also examines the intricate dynamics of British diplomacy with the Haudenosaunee and the evolving wartime strategies.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 12min
Episode 1: The Balance
Patrick Griffin, a historian from Notre Dame, discusses the intricate conflicts of the 18th century. Christiane Ayne Crouch, an expert on Indigenous diplomacy, sheds light on reciprocity and the misunderstandings in colonial treaties. Maeve Kane, specializing in Haudenosaunee history, elaborates on their political structure and neutrality under the Great Law of Peace. Together, they explore the complex dynamics that led to the Seven Years' War, emphasizing Indigenous power, European misperceptions, and the strategic importance of the Ohio Country.

Sep 12, 2023 • 3min
Season One Trailer: The Crisis
Season One of Worlds Turned Upside Down, "The Crisis," follows the stories of American colonists, Indigenous peoples, and Europeans as they grappled with the revolutionary consequences of Great Britain's victory in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). After celebrating Britain's triumph over the French in the war, Americans began questioning British new policies in its wake, while Indigenous and enslaved people struggled to make sense of their own place in Britain's enlarged American empire. Season One begins September 26, 2023. Narrated by Dr. Jim Ambuske. Music by Artlist.io Help other listeners find the show by leaving a 5-Star Rating and Review on Apple, Spotify, Podcasher, or our website. Follow the series on Facebook or Instagram. Worlds Turned Upside Down is a production of R2 Studios at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. Learn more about all our shows by visiting www.r2studios.org

Jul 12, 2023 • 2min
Introducing Worlds Turned Upside Down
Introducing Worlds Turned Upside Down, a podcast about the history of the American Revolution. Coming fall 2023 from R2 Studios. Learn more at www.r2studios.org. Worlds Turned Upside Down tells the story of the American Revolution as a transatlantic crisis and imperial civil war through the lives of people who experienced it. For many modern citizens of the United States, "the cause of America" that gave birth to a new nation in 1776 and the heroic stories we tell ourselves about its founding remains "in great measure the cause of all mankind." But for the people who lived through it, the revolutionary era upended their lives in ways they could have never imagined. The crisis that engulfed the Atlantic world in the late eighteenth century inspired British Americans, Indigenous nations, enslaved Africans and African Americans, Europeans, and other peoples to question their loyalties, challenge authority, seek freedom, and resist revolutionary change. Narrated by Dr. Jim Ambuske. Music by Artlist.io. Help other listeners find the show by leaving a 5-Star Rating and Review on Apple, Spotify, Podcasher, or our website. Follow the series on Facebook or Instagram. Worlds Turned Upside Down is a production of R2 Studios at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University.


