Liberty's First Crisis

Adams, Jefferson, and the Misfits Who Saved Free Speech

By: Charles Slack

Narrated by: Brian Holsopple

When the United States government passed the Bill of Rights in 1791, its uncompromising protection of speech and of the press were unlike anything the world had ever seen before. But by 1798, the once-dazzling young republic of the United States was on the verge of collapse: partisanship gripped the weak federal government, British seizures threatened American goods and men on the high seas, and war with France seemed imminent as its own democratic revolution deteriorated into terror. Suddenly, the First Amendment, which protected harsh commentary of the weak government, no longer seemed as practical. So that July, President John Adams and the Federalists in control of Congress passed an extreme piece of legislation that made criticism of the government and its leaders a crime punishable by heavy fines and jail time. In Liberty's First Crisis, writer Charles Slack tells the story of the 1798 Sedition Act, the crucial moment when high ideals met real-world politics and the country's future hung in the balance.

From a loudmouth in a bar to a firebrand politician to Benjamin Franklin's own grandson, those victimized by the Sedition Act were as varied as the country's citizenry. But Americans refused to let their freedoms be so easily dismissed: they penned fiery editorials, signed petitions, and raised "liberty poles," while Vice President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison drew up the infamous Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, arguing that the Federalist government had gone one step too far. Liberty's First Crisis vividly unfolds these pivotal events in the early life of the republic, as the Founding Fathers struggled to define America off the page and preserve the freedoms they had fought so hard to create.

©2015 Charles Slack. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2015 Audible Inc.

I was shocked

I was shocked by this book. I loved this book it was so detailed on explaining a history that I did not know about before. I learned a lot about the First Amendment.

Exceptional!

An. excellent story very well told. Subject matter at first look might be a turnoff BUT don't take the bait as it's a FANTASTIC story. Well written with excellent narration. A must listen. After listening to this book, I purchase a hard copy for my personal library.

Oughta be required reading for all Americans

To-the-point, even-keeled, well-paced, aptly-performed...but above all EYE-opening, often JAW-dropping, sometimes SPINE-chilling. This ain't some minor blip in the historical record (as it was covered in passing to me in AP US History). It has echoes, lessons and ramifications straight down to the present day.

Free Speech

This book show who saved free speech and showed how corrupted some might be and shine a light on this country for the good of all.

important historical lessons learned here

Not difficult nor boring, but not as invigorating as some history books. important lessons, many founding fathers hated each other, fear the mighty power of government (govt can destroy you with little effort if it wants to), in other words, fear tyranny, not every one really wants free speech, John Adam's could be a real jerk. I recommend this book.

Important Read

Free Speech is vital and the story of the Sedition Act reminds us how easily it can be lost. I hope Americans of all persuasions will give it a careful listen.

"The more things change...

...the more they stay the same." This excellent history of the Alien and Sedition Acts is the story of the first major attempt of Americans in power to shut-up other Americans who weren't--something we never seem to get tired of doing. It's also an excellent history-based argument for why we should resist the temptation to undermine American First Amendment-style free speech in favor of more recent European models of "enlightened" controls on expression. Well done, Mr. Slack!

Marvelous Book....

well written, engaging and well researched, this is a book that will show you that the more things change, the more things stay the same. The same issues we face today, race, the economy, immigrants and freedom of speech, have been the bugbears of the American government from its inception. This is a fine account of the political struggles of the time.

Very interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! This is they type of book that should be taught in law classes. The history lesson is invaluable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire story is a fascinating look into how this country was formed and a discussion as to the first amendment to the constitution. It also shows how little has changed in 200 years.

Any additional comments?

A great read! The information helped me see history in a new light!