Peter Kastor
Professor of history at Washington University in St. Louis and author specializing in the Louisiana Purchase and early American history, serving as the episode's expert commentator.
Best podcasts with Peter Kastor
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22 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 54min
The Louisiana Purchase
In this discussion, Peter Kastor, a history professor specializing in the Louisiana Purchase, explores the monumental land deal initiated by Thomas Jefferson in 1803. He examines why Napoleon sold the territory and the challenges the U.S. faced in integrating the diverse populations and navigating Indigenous rights. Kastor highlights the convoluted history of French and Spanish claims over the region, the critical role of Sakakawea during the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the slow, conflict-ridden process of U.S. governance that reshaped national identity.
13 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 20min
420: Creating the U.S. Federal Government
In this discussion, Peter Kastor, a history professor and founder of a digital project on early U.S. governance, unpacks how the federal government took shape from 1789 to 1829. He reveals the fascinating growth of federal employees during George Washington’s presidency, and the personal stories behind early government roles. Kastor also spotlights the contributions of marginalized groups in a predominantly male structure, and explores how the founding fathers' cautious views could have altered the path of American history.
