Lectures in History

Jill Gill, a Boise State University history professor, dives into Martin Luther King Jr.'s intricate political strategies. She highlights how King harnessed nonviolence, media, and Cold War dynamics to amplify the Civil Rights Movement. Gill discusses the media's critical role during the Birmingham campaign and its international fallout. She also examines King's impact on landmark legislation, the challenges he faced in the North, and his vision for a multiracial coalition in his later years.

Blake Gilpin, a historian from Tulane University, delves into critical Reconstruction-era Supreme Court cases that paved the way for Jim Crow segregation. He explores the implications of Slaughterhouse, Cruikshank, and Plessy v. Ferguson on civil rights, highlighting how the Supreme Court's rulings narrowed the 14th Amendment. Gilpin discusses the Colfax Massacre's aftermath, Northern disillusionment with Reconstruction, and the strategic legal challenges faced in Louisiana. His insights illuminate the transition from violence to legislative disenfranchisement, shaping America’s racial landscape.

Melanie Goan, a history professor at the University of Kentucky specializing in slavery and state history, delves into Kentucky's complex relationship with slavery from its statehood in 1792 until the Civil War. She uncovers how early settlers debated slavery, the state’s unique role as a Union slaveholding border state, and notable abolitionist movements. Goan also highlights the economic significance of slavery, the violence during the Civil War, and the lasting impact on Kentucky's memory and identity, providing a nuanced view of a state caught between two worlds.

Mayor Michelle Wu connects the sacrifices of the Battle of Bunker Hill to modern family and civic responsibilities. Historian Nathaniel Philbrick dives into the memories of key figures like Dr. Joseph Warren, illustrating the battle's broader significance. Governor Maura Healey reflects on Massachusetts' crucial role in the Revolution and the enduring impact of civic ideals. The ceremony even includes a poignant poem about America's unfinished story and tributes honoring the Mohegan Tribe's memory, emphasizing a shared responsibility to uphold democratic values.

In this engaging discussion, historian Jeanette Fregulia from Carroll College delves into the world of Barbary pirates and their pivotal role in shaping early American foreign policy. She clarifies the distinction between corsairs and typical pirates while exploring the geography of the Mediterranean. Fregulia recounts America's naval beginnings, the urgency for protection against Barbary attacks, and the notably expensive tribute debates. The podcast further highlights Thomas Jefferson's responses and the significance of the First Barbary War, framing it as America's first international conflict.

Ken Alder, a Northwestern University historian, explores the fascinating intersection of gunmaking and mass production in the U.S. He delves into the significance of the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver as a pioneering mass-produced technology. Alder highlights Colt's international acclaim, the origins of interchangeable parts, and the impact of precise firearms on warfare, particularly in the Crimean War. He also examines how military needs catalyzed advancements that shaped modern manufacturing, shedding light on the broader implications of these historical innovations.

Robert Brigham, a Vassar College professor and historian, dives into his search for his biological father, a Marine in Vietnam. He shares gripping details about photographer Bruce Atwell during the Tet Offensive, illustrating the chaotic urban fighting in Hue. Brigham discusses Atwell's harrowing upbringing, his iconic war photography, and the emotional journey of discovering Atwell's secret son, Kevin. Their poignant reunion in Vietnam proves a powerful exploration of legacy, memory, and the impact of war on family ties.

Chef José Andrés, a renowned humanitarian and founder of World Central Kitchen, shares his culinary journey and global relief efforts with David M. Rubenstein. He discusses the power of food as a tool for community change, recounting experiences from Hurricane Katrina and Haiti's earthquake that inspired his work. José emphasizes his creative approach to cooking, his love for cooking at home, and how he balances running restaurants with humanitarian missions. He also dreams of cooking in space, bridging his passion for food with innovative ideas.

Geri Spieler, an author and journalist, delves into the life of Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Ford in 1975. Geri shares her firsthand experiences meeting Moore in prison and details the shocking demeanor she exhibited. The conversation explores Moore's radical connections, motivations behind her actions, and her complex personal life, including multiple marriages. Geri also reveals FBI insights suggesting Moore acted as a double agent, shedding light on the tangled web of radical movements and agency failures surrounding this historical moment.

Trinity College Professor James Stocker, an expert in modern Middle East history, delves into the complexities of U.S. involvement in Arab-Israeli diplomacy. He explores the escalating tensions leading to the 1967 Six-Day War and how American interests shifted during this period. Stocker discusses President Johnson's principles and the ambiguities of UN Resolution 242, as well as the Nixon administration's strategies. He highlights the impacts of regional conflicts and the changing dynamics of Palestinian militancy, all of which shape today's ongoing negotiations.