American History Hit
History Hit
Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today. We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park. From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past. New episodes every Monday and Thursday. Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
America's Greatest General
Major Jonathan Bratten, a National Guard officer and military historian, joins to explore America's greatest generals. They dive into what makes a general great, discussing traits like charisma and care for troops. The conversation highlights Eisenhower's logistical genius during D-Day and the indispensable role of Nathaniel Greene in the Revolutionary War. They also debate George Washington's strategic evolution and Ulysses S. Grant's relentlessness, ultimately revealing their picks for who deserves the title of America's greatest general.
Jan 15, 2026 • 38min
The Truth about the Two-Term Limit
Historian Jeremi Suri, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of 'Civil War by Other Means,' dives into the intriguing history of the two-term limit for U.S. presidents. He discusses its origins with George Washington's voluntary choice to set a precedent, and how this evolved into a constitutional mandate. Suri explores pivotal figures like FDR, who challenged this norm during the Great Depression, and the broader implications of the 22nd Amendment. He also argues that congressional dynamics, rather than term limits, fuel current political polarization.
Jan 12, 2026 • 37min
America's Most Innovative General
Cecily Zander, a Civil War historian and author known for her insights on military history, explores the evolution of warfare through innovative American generals. She highlights George Crook's humanitarian tactics with Native scouts, Sherman’s total war strategy that targeted civilian infrastructure, and Patton's pioneering use of armored warfare. Zander argues for Norman Schwarzkopf as the most innovative general due to his integration of high-tech tactics in Desert Storm, showcasing how these leaders reshaped modern military strategies.
Jan 8, 2026 • 57min
How Revolutionary was the Declaration of Independence?
In this enlightening discussion, historian Michael Hattem explores the revolutionary nature of the Declaration of Independence. He highlights how Enlightenment ideas shaped its creation and the significance of grievances against British rule. Hattem also dives into the surge of popular support for independence in 1776 and the political motivations behind Jefferson's authorship. The conversation reveals the Declaration’s global legacy, its paradox of slavery, and how it has inspired various movements for justice and rights throughout history.
Jan 5, 2026 • 36min
America's Bloodiest General
Major Jonathan D. Bratten, command historian for the Maine National Guard and author of 'To The Last Man', dives into the grim legacy of America's bloodiest generals. He discusses the moral weight of command, contrasting Robert E. Lee's relentless tactics with Ulysses S. Grant's approach to ending conflict. Bratten also examines John Bell Hood's aggressive assaults, the technological shifts in modern warfare, and John Pershing's high-casualty decisions in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Ultimately, Lee earns the title of the bloodiest general for his costly offensive strategies.
Jan 1, 2026 • 41min
How Dangerous Was The Oregon Trail?
Matt Beat, a former history teacher and the creative force behind the YouTube channels Mr. Beat and The Beat Goes On, dives into the perilous journey of the Oregon Trail. He shares gripping tales of the pioneers who faced disease, river crossings, and difficult interactions with Native American tribes. Discover the significance of the Oregon Trail in shaping American identity and values like individualism. Beat also discusses the cultural impact of the Oregon Trail video game and its place in today’s education, framing the trail as a timeless story of hope and perseverance.
Dec 29, 2025 • 36min
How Much Power Does the President Have?
In this engaging discussion, Graham G. Dodds, an Associate Professor of History and author of 'The Unitary Presidency,' dives into the murky waters of presidential power in the U.S. He examines the origins of the unitary executive theory and its implications for democracy. Topics include the risks of centralized power, historical Supreme Court cases, and how past presidents like Cheney and Bush have shaped this theory. Graham also warns of contemporary threats like Project 2025, highlighting how the unitary approach could jeopardize checks and balances.
Dec 25, 2025 • 28min
How Did Fossils Change America?
Caroline Winterer, a historian and author specializing in the cultural history of science, dives into how fossil discoveries revolutionized America’s views on science and religion in the 19th century. She discusses the impact of the Hadrosaurus Foulkii, which challenged biblical timelines and spurred questions about the nation’s identity. Winterer also connects deep time to industrial growth, racial justifications for land dispossession, and the rise of young-earth creationism, while illustrating how these ideas shaped American exceptionalism.
10 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 42min
Lincoln: The First Presidential Assassination
In this insightful discussion, historian Michael Kauffman, author of "American Brutus," dives into the harrowing details of Abraham Lincoln's assassination. He explores John Wilkes Booth's year-long conspiracy, revealing how Booth manipulated his accomplices and the original kidnapping plot that morphed into murder. Kauffman also unpacks the tragic consequences of Lincoln's death on Reconstruction and the divided loyalties within Booth's family, adding layers to this pivotal moment in American history.
10 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 20min
The Boston Tea Party
Benjamin Carp, a history professor at Brooklyn College and author of several works on the American Revolution, dives into the motivations behind the Boston Tea Party. He discusses the urgent meetings at the Old South Meeting House, the roles of key figures like Samuel Adams, and the tactical decisions made during the event. Carp sheds light on the significance of participants disguising themselves as Indigenous people and the disciplined execution of dumping 342 tea chests. The conversation reveals how this pivotal act of defiance shaped colonial sentiments against British rule.
