Lectures in History

David Grann, a bestselling nonfiction author known for his investigative storytelling, joins David M. Rubenstein to delve into his acclaimed works. Grann explores the tragic history of the Osage murders in 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' revealing systemic exploitation and the early FBI's shocking findings. He also shares insights from 'The Wager,' detailing a gripping shipwreck saga and its themes of truth versus myth. With a fascinating discussion on his writing process, Grann emphasizes the importance of community engagement and authentic narratives.

Aaron O'Connell, a history professor at the University of Texas, delves into the Mexican-American War's intricate dynamics. He explores how geopolitical shifts, domestic pressures, and partisan politics stoked conflicts. O'Connell examines tactical innovations like flying artillery and the impact of military leadership choices. He also discusses the war's devastating consequences, from territorial gains to the challenging realities faced by newly incorporated Mexican citizens, all while reflecting on the war's legacy and historical memory.

During Reconstruction, a campaign to overthrow the South Carolina government succeeded, triggering a constitutional crisis. University of North Carolina professor and author of "Sedition," Marcus Gadson, analyzed the history behind this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Lectures in History podcast: The mystery of the Roanoke Colony’s disappearance. In 1587, English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina — only to vanish without a trace soon after. Gettysburg College Professor Timothy Shannon explores what we know about the lost colony, the people who lived there, and the theories behind one of early America’s greatest mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happened when General Custer and Crazy Horse faced off in battle? Stetson University Professor David Morton chronicles the 1876 Great Sioux War in the South Dakota Black Hills. Stetson University is located in Deland, Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

United States Army War College history professor Michael Neiberg discusses Vichy France and the Anglo-American relationship during World War II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Kentucky in 1792 became a state, it had a choice; keep slavery or abolish it. University of Kentucky professor Melanie Goan teaches a class on the state's relationship with the institution of slavery until the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William & Mary Bray School Lab director Maureen Elgersman Lee discusses the history of the 18th-century Williamsburg Bray School for Black children and the legacies of the 300 to 400 scholars it enrolled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the rhetoric of the 1992 Republican National Convention, focusing on speeches by Ronald Reagan and Pat Buchanan. Discover how Buchanan's divisive language framed cultural wars and morality. Contrast this with Reagan's hopeful and inclusive vision for unity. The discussion highlights ethical tests for political speech and the importance of civic debate in an era of polarization. Insights into political communication emphasize the role of informed citizenship in shaping democracy.

Sir Richard J. Evans has been writing about Germany and Adolf Hitler for his entire professional life. He was knighted in Britain in 2012 for his service to scholarship. From 2003-2008, Professor Evans published a trilogy of the Third Reich with a total of over 2,500 pages. His latest book is titled "Hitler's People: The Faces of the Third Reich." In his preface, Sir Richard, a former professor at Cambridge University writes: "The individuals who stand at the center of this book range from the top to the bottom, from Hitler all the way down to the lowest of the Nazi party." There are 22 chapters. Learn more about your ad choices.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices