- Speaker:
Amanda Knief
- Time
-
Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm
- Location
-
2630 Memorial Union
- Co-Sponsors:
- Center for Cyclone Civics
- Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics
- Military-Affiliated Student Center
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
2025 Veteran's Day Lecture
Part of the America250 lecture series.
This lecture explores the daring exploits of American privateers and pirates who played a pivotal role in undermining British naval dominance during the Revolutionary War. Attendees will learn how these seafaring rebels disrupted British supply lines, captured enemy vessels, and bolstered the fledgling American economy through prize money and trade. Through gripping stories and historical analysis, the talk highlights how these unofficial naval warriors helped turn the tide of war in favor of independence.
Amanda Knief is the Lectures Program director and the university parliamentarian. She received her B.S. in Journalism and Communication from Iowa State and her J.D. from Drake University Law School. She worked as legislative counsel for the Iowa Legislature before working in Washington, D.C. as a nonprofit lobbyist, nonprofit legal director, and analyst for the Library of Congress' Congressional Research Service. Knief regularly leads Honors Program seminars about U.S. law and piracy.
This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.