The modern corporation as a legal and economic entity finds its origins, in American history, in the generation following the American Revolution. Its advocates understood the corporation as an expression of the revolution’s radically republican ideology, embodying its principles of consent, natural property rights, and community welfare.

A counter narrative, viewing the corporation as an anti-republican concentration of oligarchic power, developed as corporations’ economic roles became manifest. This seminar will look at a region in northern Virginia from which a wave of corporations were launched, c. 1790- 1820.

Instructor Jason Barrett is Professor of History and Humanities Department Chair at Lawrence Technological University. This seminar derives from his ongoing research into the political economy of the founding era. Reading and visual materials will be distributed in the seminar.

This class meets on Mondays, from March 7 – March 21. No classes on holidays.

Pre-registration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the study group will be e-mailed to you approximately one week will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the first session.