This Day

Preparations for America's 250th anniversary celebrations are heating up, with a new newsletter spotlighting the festivities. A military parade reveals the tension between celebration and reality, highlighting disillusionment with modern patriotism. Discussions delve into the contradictions between national ideals and pressing issues like immigration, while skepticism arises over the representation of women and people of color in commemorative statues. The podcast invites listeners to engage with the evolving narrative of American heritage as these celebrations unfold.

As America gears up for its 250th birthday, the hosts explore the significance of this milestone in shaping national identity. They critique how historical narratives influence current politics, especially through the lens of the lost cause mythology. The conversation dives into the fight for diverse voices in history, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in storytelling. Finally, they introduce America 250 Watch, a new newsletter aimed at keeping the audience informed and engaged in the unfolding historical narrative.

In July 1962, six European countries clashed with the U.S. by imposing tariffs on American chicken, igniting a poultry trade war. The repercussions rippled into the American truck industry, prompting innovative shifts towards larger vehicles. Delving into the interplay between chicken tariffs and the automotive sector, the hosts highlight the unexpected impact on consumer choices and market dynamics. With a humorous comparison of profit margins, they reveal how chickens and pickups laughably intersect in the economic landscape.

Dive into the historical complexities of July 4th, exploring its dual themes of freedom and inequality. Hear about the bold 1854 anti-slavery protest, where activists dramatically burned a copy of the Constitution. Discover the conflicting interpretations of the Constitution among abolitionists, especially surrounding the Fugitive Slave Act. The podcast highlights Frederick Douglass’s poignant reflections on the disconnect between American ideals and the harsh realities of slavery, making it a thought-provoking examination of independence.

On June 26, 1968, President Johnson pivoted from fighting poverty to waging war on crime, signing a major crime bill that reshaped policing forever. The discussion highlights the swift change in political focus amid growing civil unrest. The hosts unpack the controversial militarization of local law enforcement and its effects on communities, especially minority populations. They also explore the unexpected consequences of protective legislation and how law and order politics have persisted, influencing future administrations in powerful ways.

Garrett Graff, a historian and journalist, joins the discussion to illuminate Wikipedia's transformative shift to a non-profit in 2003. He explores how this change shaped its role in promoting collective knowledge over profit. The conversation touches on Wikipedia's initial skepticism and its impact as a democratizing platform for information. They also delve into the internet's evolving landscape, highlighting issues like misinformation, the influence of algorithms, and the complexities of online discourse. It's a fascinating look at Wikipedia's past and its relevance today.

Discover the rich history of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. Delve into its origins in Texas and the delays in communication surrounding emancipation. Learn how this regional celebration transformed into a national symbol of freedom during the Great Migration. The podcast explores the cultural significance of Juneteenth and its journey to federal recognition. Finally, reflect on how holidays influence collective memory and the ongoing debates surrounding their observance in contemporary society.

This discussion dives into the cultural upheaval caused by the release of the iconic film JAWS, marking it as a pivotal moment in cinema history. Listeners hear about how it distorted public perception of sharks, creating a lasting fear of the ocean. The hosts highlight personal anecdotes and the psychological horror elements of the movie. They also tackle the ecological consequences of shark stereotypes, including the dangerous decline in shark populations. The conversation reflects on how attitudes toward sharks and masculinity have evolved since the film's debut.

It's June 12. This day in 1967, President Johnson nominates Thurgood Marshall as the first Black Supreme Court justice. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss Marshall's stories legal career up until this point -- but why Johnson was still taking a major risk in putting him forward.Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!Find out more at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's June 9th. This day in 1933, the Roosevelt administration is asking Americans to turn their gold into the government -- or be jailed.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how FDR sought to stabilize the economy, how Americans reacted to the order to turn in their heavy metals -- and how this moment led the US to become less and less reliant on the gold standard.Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!Find out more at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices