126 - The First Animal Activist with Author Ernest Freeberg

Ernest Freeberg is an author and US history professor specializing in the 19th and early 20th centuries. His latest work—A Traitor to His Species: Henry Bergh and the Animal Rights Movement—tells the fascinating story of how one man started a movement. He didn’t just educate the public about cruelty to animals—he made sure animal cruelty laws were enforced. During this conversation, Freeberg gives us the most captivating history lesson we’ve ever had. Sit back and listen—no note-taking required. 

 

What we discuss in this episode:

 

- The history of the animal rights movement in America

 

- Why Ernest was drawn to this topic

 

- How animal protection paved the way for women and child abuse

 

- Bergh’s connection with P.T. Barnum

 

- How public perspective began to shift regarding animals as individuals, not property

 

- Ernest’s book, A Traitor to His Species: Henry Bergh and the Birth of the Animal Rights Movement

 

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