Key Battles of American History

The roots of the Second World War in Europe lie within the First World War. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war between Germany and the western Allies, but the geopolitical situation it created was far from stable. Ten years later, the Great Depression made things even worse. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the unsettled state of Europe between 1918 and 1930 and the gradual fracturing of the uneasy peace that it enjoyed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James and co-host Sean McIver introduce their massive new series, “Key Battles of World War II in Europe.” Get ready for a lot of massive battles!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Risorgimento was a period of political and social upheaval in Italy that lasted from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The movement aimed to unite the various states and regions of Italy into one unified nation. Pinocchio, the beloved children's story written by Carlo Collodi, can be seen as a metaphor for Italian unification through the character's journey from a wooden puppet to a real boy. And last but not least, let's talk about pizza. Italy's most famous export, pizza, is a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Whether you're a fan of traditional Margherita or a more unconventional topping, there's a pizza for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James interviews Dartmouth College professor and best-selling author Matthew F. Delmont about his recently-relased (and excellent) book Half American: The Epic Story of African-Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In another venerable KBAH tradition, Sean and James reflect on the short-term and long-term impact of the Mexican-American War and tell “the rest of the story” about the key leaders of the war, both Mexican and American.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some remember Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency as a time of peace and prosperity, but in reality, it was an era of constant global crises. In this episode preview from This American President, host Richard Lim explores how Eisenhower skillfully navigated the perils of the Cold War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the fight at Churubusco, the two armies rested for a couple of weeks, after which the Americans resumed the attack at Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. Eventually, Scott and his army fought their way into Mexico City as Santa Anna and his army retreated. After several months of negotiations, the two sides signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a settlement that was highly costly for Mexico and highly beneficial to the United States. The war was over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, 1847, an American army of 12,000 under the command of General Winfied Scott landed on the eastern coast of Mexico and laid siege to the city of Veracruz. After the city’s surrender, Scott marched his army westward toward Mexico City while Santa Anna used whatever troops he could find to try and stop the Americans. By September, Scott had reached the outskirts of the Mexican capital, where he and Santa Anna faced off at the bloody battle of Churubusco. If the Mexicans failed to halt the American advance there, the fall of the capital was sure to follow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a time-honored tradition in the Key Battles of American History Podcast, Sean and James push “pause” on the military and political narrative to give you a “ground up” view of the war. In this episode, you will find out what life was like for the common soldier (both regulars and volunteers) on both sides. What did soldiers eat? What did they wear? How did they cope with boredom, disease, and military discipline? What was combat like? Join us, and you will find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, James interviews best-selling author Martin Dugard about his new book Taking Berlin, which tells the fascinating story of the 1944-45 Allied drive to destroy the Third ReichSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the Mexican loss at Monterrey, Santa Anna took command of the Mexican army and marched a large force north to get revenge against Taylor and his army. The result was the bloody and consequential Battle of Buena Vista, the last major engagement of the war in Northern Mexico. Meanwhile, north of the Rio Grande, American forces attempted to conquer the Mexican provinces of California and New Mexico, while political opposition to the war increased in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April 1846, the army of General Zachary Taylor, which President Polk had sent to the Rio Grande River, clashed with a Mexican force sent to drive the Americans away. Soon after, Taylor fought two brief battles (Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma) with the Mexicans, driving them across the Rio Grande. After a pause of a few months, the two armies clashed again at Monterrey. Meanwhile, an old “friend” re-entered the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 300 men were executed by the British Army for desertion and cowardice during the First World War. In this episode preview from Vlogging Through History, host Chris Mowery explores the process for executions and the stories of the men involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By 1844, the United States government had resisted the urge to annex the Republic of Texas for several years, but in 1844 that changed as President John Tyler and his successor James K. Polk brought Texas into the U. S. as the 28th state in 1845. How would Mexico react to this? Join us, and you will see!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the entire history of the Republic of Texas, relations between Mexico and Texas remained tense. Both sides raided the other’s territory. Comanches and other Native American tribes raided both republics. Both republics experienced political and financial instability. And both wondered if and when the United States might add Texas to its ever-expanding territory. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the fascinating and chaotic story of the Republic of Texas, with an emphasis on its relationship with Mexico.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James interviews prolific author Saul David about his new book Devil Dogs: King Company, Third Battalion, 5th Marines: From Guadalcanal to the Shores of Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexander the Great’s death at 323 BC in Babylon marked the end of the most consequential military campaign in antiquity. He left behind an empire that stretched from Greece to India, planted the seeds of the Silk Road, and made Greek an international language across Eurasia, all in 13 short years. But what if he had not died as a young man? What if he had lived years or decades more? To explore this hypothetical scenario, host Scott Rank interviews Anthony Everitt, author of “Alexander the Great: His Life and Mysterious Death.” In this fascinating discussion, Scott and Anthony look at the life of the most influential person in the ancient world and explore the ramifications of his life having even more influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2004 movie The Alamo, starring Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, and Patrick Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history of the world is full of unsung heroes and misunderstood figures who have shaped our lives in profound ways. Their contributions to history are, simply put, underrated. Recently, four of the guys from the Parthenon Podcast Network (Josh Cohen from Eyewitness History, Richard Lim from This American President, Steve Guerra from History of the Papacy and Beyond the Big Screen, and Scott Rank from History Unplugged) discussed who they believe is the most underrated figure in US History (James was busy and sat this one out).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the classic 1960 movie The Alamo, directed by and starring John Wayne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Texas Revolution cast a long shadow not just over Texas history, but over United States history. In this final episode of Key Battles of the Texas Revolution, Sean and James discuss the short- and long-term effects of the Texas Revolution. They also tell about the postwar lives and careers of the major players on both sides.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks after the fall of the Alamo, the Texian garrison at Goliad surrendered to another Mexican force, and a week after that, the garrison was executed on the orders of Santa Anna. Santa Anna and his army began marching east, toward the seat of the Texas government, while the Texas army retreated before him. On April 21, the two armies met at the brief but decisive Battle of San Jacinto, after which Santa Anna was captured. Santa Anna then signed the Treaty of Velasco, which ordered all Mexican armies in Texas back across the Rio Grande and which also acknowledged Texas’ independence. Join Sean and James as they tell the story of the final actions of the Texas Revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Eyewitness History Podcast, Host Josh Cohen speaks with the former principal of Columbine High School, Frank DeAngelis. Frank and Josh discuss the events of the tragic shooting, what the police were doing at the time of the shooting, as well as the potential motivations of the two shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. They also discuss the infamous basement tapes, as well as seeing Klebold the previous week at prom, in addition to a lot more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early 1836, Santa Anna personally led an army into Texas to put down the rebellion. His first target was San Antonio, particularly the fortified mission called the Alamo, in which nearly 200 Texians and Tejanos were holding out. After a 13-day siege, Santa Anna’s army stormed the Alamo and captured or killed all its defenders. During the siege, the acting Texas government declared Texas to be an independent Republic. In this episode, Sean and James tell the fascinating but tragic story of the fall of the Alamo, as well as discuss the Texas Declaration of Independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early 1862, a Confederate force consisting mainly of Texans launched an invasion of the New Mexico territory. After a quick and largely unopposed march, they ran into a Union force defending the territory. Would the Confederates succeed in their quest to make New Mexico part of the Confederacy, or would the Union defenders drive them away? Listen to this special bonus episode, and you will find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further restrictive measures passed by Santa Anna’s government motivated many Texians to mount a full-scale rebellion in October 1835 at the town of Gonzales. For some, the goal was statehood for Texas within the Mexican republic, but for others, the goal was full independence. A newly formed Texian army attacked Mexican positions at Goliad, Concepcion, and San Antonio, driving the Mexican army back across the Rio Grande. Some Texians believed the revolution was over and that they had won. But had they? “Come and take” in Sean and James’ narration of the beginning of the Texas Revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By 1830, immigration of Americans to Texas had become a flood, and the Mexican authorities became alarmed. To stop the rapid growth of Anglo settlers, the Mexican government passed a law that banned further Anglo immigration to Texas. Three years, later, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became President of Mexico and began stripping away the Mexican states’ rights. These measures motivated many Texians to engage in minor acts of rebellion, but for the time being, Texas remained part of Mexico. But would that last? In this episode, Sean and James discuss Texas’ gradual descent into revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before Texas was a U. S. state, it was a part of Mexico, which in turn was part of the massive Spanish Empire. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, it became the northeastern most province of the new nation. At about that same time, large numbers of Americans began settling in Mexico, both legally and illegally. Join Sean and James as they narrate these early years of Texas history, focusing on the challenges faced by both the Mexican government and the early Anglo settlers of Texas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, cohost Sean McIver and James introduce the upcoming mini-series on the Texas Revolution. Sean and James make the case that all Americans, not just Texans, should study the Texas Revolution. Why, you ask? Listen and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1860 and early 1861, desire for secession grew to a fever pitch in Texas. But there was one man who tried to stop it...Governor Sam Houston. Join James as he tells the story of Houston's heroic but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to keep Texas in the Union.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this joint Beyond the Big Screen and Key Battles of American History episode, Steve and James discuss the 1958 movie The Buccaneer, a highly fictionalized telling of the role of the pirate Jean Lafitte and his men in the Battle of New Orleans. The film stars Yul Brynner as Lafitte and Charlton Heston as Andrew Jackson. As always, Steve and James do much more than just talk about the movie; they also do a fairly deep dive into the real story behind the film's events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of the key figures of the War of 1812 went on to have long and distinguished careers, with no fewer than four becoming President of the United States. Others went into retirement, while still others’ lives were tragically cut short by disease or dueling. In this final episode of the series, Steve and James discuss the post-war lives and careers of the top political and military leaders of the War of 1812.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the very beginning of the war, both sides expressed a desire to end it. Soon, each side reached out to the other to discuss terms of peace. But the British were in no hurry, and as a result, serious negotiations did not begin until 1814. After several months of haggling, the British and American peace delegations finally produced the Treaty of Ghent, which formally ended the war. But what exactly changed as a result of the treaty? Also, what was the war’s legacy? We’re glad you asked! Join us, and you will find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanting to bring the war to parts of the U. S. that had not yet experienced it, the British in late 1814 opened up a campaign against the Gulf Coast. This campaign culminated in the British attack on the major port city of New Orleans. The British force, consisting of 5300 crack soldiers, faced a hodge-podge group of 4700 defenders, including regular Army soldiers, militia, volunteers, African-Americans (both free and slave), Indians, and even pirates. Would the British prevail? Join Steve and James as they discuss the leadup to the epic Battle of New Orleans, the battle itself, and the battle’s aftermath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1814, the United States faced increasing hostility to the war in New England as well as near economic collapse. In this mini-episode, Steve and James discuss the so-called “Crisis of 1814” and the Hartford Convention, a meeting among delegates from several New England states who wanted the Madison administration to address their grievances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1814, the British decided that the best defense is a good offense. Accordingly, they launched a series of attacks on various parts of the American northeast while also returning to the Chesapeake region. This time, however, the British planned to do more in the Chesapeake than simply conduct raids. Instead, they set their sights on two of the most important American cities: Baltimore and Washington, DC. Would the British succeed in capturing a great deal of American territory? Would they force the Americans to capitulate? Listen, and you shall see!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Guerra on Freemasonry, The Catholic Church, and the Modern WorldThis is a sample of a recent episode of Steve Guerra's History of the Papacy Podcast (https://www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-the-papacy-podcast/) about Freemasonry, the Catholic Church, and the modern world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1814, American forces, believing in the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”, launched yet another invasion of Canada. The American army in early 1814 was much better fed, equipped, trained, and motivated than it had been in 1812 or 1813. But their British foe had been reinforced by battle-hardened, albeit exhausted redcoats fresh from the Napoleonic Wars. Would the third time be the charm for the Americans? Join us and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even when they were not fighting, soldiers in the War of 1812 suffered great hardships. These included poor pay, harsh discipline, extreme temperatures, rampant disease, and inadequate food, clothing, housing, and equipment. And if they were captured by the enemy, things often grew even worse. In this episode, Steve and James push “Pause” on the narrative of battles and put you in the boots of a common soldier. What did soldiers eat and drink? What kind of equipment did they have? What did they do when not in combat? What was War of 1812 combat like? What would happen if they became prisoners? We will answer these and many more questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1813, the War of 1812 spread to the American South, as an American army led by General Andrew Jackson attempted to suppress the Red Sticks, a faction of the Creek Nation that rebelled against White authority. Also in 1813, British forces began raiding American settlements along the Chesapeake Bay. Join Steve and James as they narrate the story of the beginnings of the war in the South.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, James again joins forces with Jerry Landry, host of the Presidencies of the United States Podcast. This time, Jerry leads the discussion, which concerns one of the most controversial figures in American history: Andrew Jackson. Much of the controversy that swirls around Jackson comes from actions he took long after the War of 1812, when he was President of the United States. In this discussion, however, Jerry and James focus on Jackson’s military career. Does Jackson deserve to be counted as one of America’s greatest generals? James and Jerry will lay out the evidence to help you decide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Steve and James go back out on the water, including both the open ocean and the Great Lakes to follow the actions of the US Navy in 1813. The Navy ranged far and wide, enjoying a few victories while also suffering significant losses. Steve and James also discuss key political and economic events of 1813.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1813, the American ground forces in the north launched a second series of attacks against British forces in Canada. This time the Americans were more experienced, better equipped, and were led by much better officers. In this episode, Steve and James discuss the second American offensive against Canada. Join us to see if it succeeded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, James is joined by special guest Jerry Landry, host of the Presidencies of the United States Podcast. Jerry and James discuss the early career and life of William Henry Harrison, who enjoyed a long military and political career and who led the US Army to victory at the battles of Tippecanoe and the Thames. Jerry has long been a fan of Harrison, so much so that his first podcast was all about “Old Tippecanoe.” You’ll love Jerry’s narration of the life and career of one of early America’s most important leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The War of 1812 was not fought merely on land, but also on the sea. To anyone at the time, it would have seemed that the tiny American navy, with only 16 ships at the start of the war, would be crushed by the Royal Navy, which had over 500 ships in service. But what the Americans lacked in numbers, they made up for in seamanship and determination. Would this be enough? Steve and James will let you know if the American “David” was able to overcome the British “Goliath.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soon after war was declared, U. S. President Madison and Secretary of War Eustis decided to launch a three-pronged assault on Canada. American forces would cross the Detroit, Niagara, and St. Lawrence Rivers and attack much smaller British and Canadian forces in three strategic locations. The plan seemed solid…but would it work? Join Steve and James as they discuss the 1812 American invasion of Canada.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the time of the War of 1812, the United States was deeply divided between Republicans, most of whom supported the war, and Federalists, who opposed the war. This division broke out into violence in the Baltimore Riots of the summer of 1812. In this mini-episode, Steve and James discuss the Baltimore Riots, the war aims of the British and the Americans, the war aims of each side, and the critical US presidential election of 1812, which served as a sort of referendum on the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris formally ended the American War for Independence, but it left many issues between the United States and Great Britain unresolved. In addition, Britain’s war with Napoleon and his allies motivated the British Navy to increasingly interfere with American shipping and even to impress American sailors into the British Navy. This, plus British support for Indian attacks in the American northwest, led many Americans to demand war with Britain.In this episode, Steve and James discuss the long series of events that led to the War of 1812.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James kicks off Season 4 of Key Battles of American History. This new season will include discussions of the United States’ three most significant wars between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War: The War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, and the Mexican-American War. Over the next few weeks, James and new cohost Steve Guerra (host of the History of the Papacy and Beyond the Big Screen podcasts) will discuss the events leading to the War of 1812, the war itself, and the war’s aftermath and impact on American history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, James interviews Chris Mowery, host of the Vlogging Through History YouTube channel and the podcast of the same name, which is the newest podcast in the Parthenon Podcast Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.