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
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 47min
Who was the Best President Ever?
Join history professor Jeremi Suri, an expert on presidential leadership, as he unpacks what truly defines a great president. He discusses the essential qualities like vision and crisis leadership, highlighting exemplary figures such as Lincoln and FDR. Suri argues that modern presidents face unprecedented challenges, including the overwhelming complexities of social media. The conversation also touches on underrated presidents like Grant and Eisenhower, and how their legacies contribute to the fabric of American leadership.
Oct 6, 2025 • 40min
America's Invasion of Canada
Maj. Jonathan D. Bratten, a historian with the Maine Army National Guard specializing in Revolutionary War history, dives into the intriguing 1775 American invasion of Quebec. He sheds light on the ideologies behind wanting Canada as the 14th colony and the challenges Benedict Arnold faced during the treacherous wilderness march. Bratten navigates through military logistics, the disastrous Quebec assault, and the significant repercussions of the campaign, pondering how success might have altered the course of the war.
Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Who Was the Worst President Ever?
In this engaging discussion, historian Jeremi Suri, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of The Impossible Presidency, dives into the complexities of presidential failure. He explores what truly makes a president 'bad,' identifying faults like hubris and a failure to adapt. Suri debates the legacies of Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Andrew Johnson, ultimately naming Johnson the worst for his undermining of Reconstruction. They also ponder contemporary issues, raising questions about our current leadership.
14 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 32min
Origins of the Second Amendment
Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and staff writer for The New Yorker, delves into the fascinating origins of the Second Amendment. She discusses its initial obscurity and the political compromises behind the Bill of Rights. Highlighting fears of standing armies and challenges in interpreting 'arms,' Jill contrasts collective versus individual rights. She explores how technological advancements outpaced legal regulations and examines the impact of historical context on modern debates surrounding gun rights and control.
10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 35min
What Caused the Civil War? | Secession
Chandra Manning, Historian and Georgetown University professor, dives into the complex events leading to the Civil War. She highlights how Lincoln's election triggered Southern secession, particularly in South Carolina, and discusses the pro-slavery platform adopted by Southern Democrats. Manning emphasizes that secession ordinances explicitly focused on slavery, challenging lost-cause myths. She explores the pivotal moments, including Virginia's reluctance and the strategic attack on Fort Sumter, revealing how a blend of political power and coercion fueled the nation’s descent into war.
Sep 22, 2025 • 59min
USA & Cuba: A Brief History
In this insightful discussion, Michael Bustamante, an expert on Cuban history and author of 'Cuban Memory Wars', delves into the complex history of US-Cuba relations. He explores Cuba's colonial past, the dramatic shifts from Batista to Castro, and the impact of the Cold War. Bustamante discusses the evolution of the US embargo, Cuba’s strategic role globally, and the effects of Obama’s normalization efforts. He reflects on the personal experiences of everyday Cuban life and shares his hopes for future relations between the two nations.
13 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 41min
What Caused the Civil War? | John Brown's Raid
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry helped cause the Civil War. His is a magnetic persona that's hard to take your eyes away from. But who were the people who inspired him? Who funded him? Who joined him on the raid? It turns out there's a lot more to the story as Don learns with today's guest Dr Kellie Carter Jackson author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance" and co-host of the "This Day" podcast.Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.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. You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 38min
The Origins of California
Michael Hiltzik, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Golden State: The Making of California', joins the discussion on California’s fascinating evolution. From its indigenous roots and the influence of Spanish and Mexican governance to the impact of the Gold Rush, Hiltzik uncovers the layers of cultural and political change. He highlights California’s transformation into a tourism hotspot driven by innovation and transportation advancements. Dive into the complexities of water politics, governance, and the Golden State's unique identity!
Sep 11, 2025 • 36min
What Caused the Civil War? | Politics
How did the politicians in Washington D.C. push America towards the one thing they wanted to avoid: all out Civil War? We look at how the violent and frat house culture that existed within D.C. played its part, and at the chronic failure of leadership from those sitting atop of this steaming mess - the Presidents.We're joined by returning guest (from our Franklin Pierce episode) Brian C Neumann, author of 'Bloody Flag of Anarchy: Unionism in South Carolina during the Nullification Crisis' and managing director of the John L. Nau III Center for Civil War History at the University of Virginia.Produced by Freddy Chick. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte LongSign 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. You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 34min
How to Amend the Constitution
Why has it been so long since the US Constitution was amended? The incredible Jill Lepore joins Don to explore how the Constitution was designed for amendment, and how this has been utilised through its history.Jill is a staff writer for the New Yorker, David Woods Kemper '41 Professor of American History at Harvard University and author of multiple books. The most recent is 'We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution'.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.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. You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
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