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
Dec 8, 2025 • 41min
The German Spies at Pearl Harbor
Christine Kuehn, an author and descendant of the Kuhn family, along with former journalist Mark Schiponi, uncover a shocking family secret about their ancestors' espionage activities at Pearl Harbor. They discuss the emotional journey of discovering their family's involvement with Nazi Germany and the Japanese in Hawaii. Listeners will learn about cunning methods of intelligence gathering, including Ruth's social strategies and Otto's coded signaling system. Their insights highlight the impact of hidden histories on personal identity and national narratives.
Dec 4, 2025 • 50min
The Quakers' Rebellious Origins
Dr. Erica Cannella, a historian specializing in 17th-century British history and the early Quakers, shares fascinating insights into the origins of Quakerism. She discusses the radical beliefs and controversial practices of early Quakers, including their penchant for provocative actions like digging up corpses. Erica explains how zeal influenced their survival but also led to troubling incidents. The conversation highlights the movement's spread, the martyrdom of figures like Mary Dyer, and William Penn's vision for Pennsylvania as a bastion of religious tolerance.
Dec 1, 2025 • 43min
What Was the American Ice Age?
Dr. David J. Meltzer, an archaeologist and expert on Ice Age America, shares insights on how the first people arrived in North America. He explains the significance of the Pleistocene Ice Age, the role of the Beringia land bridge, and the environmental shifts that allowed migration. Meltzer discusses genetic evidence of ancestral diverging, the importance of climate cycles, and argues that climate more than human activity drove the extinction of megafauna. He also highlights how these early migrations influenced long-term cultural developments.
Nov 27, 2025 • 45min
Thanksgiving
Richard Pickering, Deputy Director at Plimoth Patuxet Museums and a historian on early New England relations, dives into the 1621 harvest feast that marked the first Thanksgiving. He reveals the dire conditions faced by the pilgrims, their dependence on the Wampanoag's agricultural knowledge, and how this feast fostered crucial diplomatic ties. Also discussed are the motivations behind the pilgrims' journey, the Mayflower Compact's significance, and the evolution of Thanksgiving into a national holiday, intertwining history with cultural legacy.
11 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 52min
Crime of the Century: Who Kidnapped Charles Lindbergh Jr?
Thomas Doherty, a cultural historian and Brandeis University professor, dives into the notorious Lindbergh kidnapping. He explores the crime's seismic impact on American law and media, illustrating how this event changed the landscape of fame and justice. Doherty details the chaotic investigation, the media frenzy surrounding the case, and the eventual trial of Bruno Hauptmann. He also discusses lingering conspiracy theories and the complex legacy of Charles Lindbergh, illuminating the intertwining of crime, celebrity, and public perception.
Nov 20, 2025 • 37min
What was the Satanic Panic?
Joseph Laycock, an associate professor of religious studies and author specializing in American religious history, dives into the chilling phenomenon of the Satanic Panic. He explores the origins rooted in 1960s culture and media influences, showcasing how fears were exacerbated by figures like Manson and LaVey. Laycock recounts the explosive McMartin preschool allegations and the media's role in amplifying panic for ratings. He also connects this moral panic to modern conspiracies like QAnon, revealing the enduring belief in evil and societal anxieties.
9 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 42min
What if the Texas Republic survived?
Historian Sam W. Haynes, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, explores a fascinating what-if: what if the Republic of Texas had remained independent instead of joining the U.S.? He delves into the origins of Texas, the motivations behind rebellion against Mexico, and the turbulent aftermath involving treaties and territorial disputes. Sam also speculates on the cultural and economic impacts of an independent Texas, including its potential alignment during the Civil War, shaping both regional identity and U.S. history.
Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
The Hurricane Betsy Conspiracy: New Orleans
In this discussion, historian Andy Horowitz delves into the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy and its impact on New Orleans, particularly the controversial theory that officials bombed levees to protect the city. Horowitz examines the city's vulnerability due to its geography, the erosion of wetlands, and how urban development contributed to increased flood risks. He also highlights the disproportionate effects on the Lower Ninth Ward and the legacy of the disaster in shaping flood policies, revealing the systemic failures that still challenge the city today.
11 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 38min
The Supreme Court’s WORST Ever Case: Dred Scott v Sandford
In this enlightening discussion, historian Kate Masur, an expert on civil rights and antebellum America, delves into the notorious Dred Scott v Sandford case. She explores Dred Scott's background and the motivations behind his freedom suit after living in free territories. Masur discusses Chief Justice Roger Taney's ruling, the contentious political climate of the time, and the case's profound implications for citizenship and slavery. She connects Dred Scott's legacy to modern debates on birthright citizenship, making for a captivating and timely conversation.
9 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 47min
Was Lee Harvey Oswald a Lone Gunman?
Join investigative journalist Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post writer and JFK expert, as he dives into the intricate conspiracy surrounding JFK's assassination. They question the Warren Commission's conclusions, explore forensic doubts about Oswald’s role, and reveal extensive CIA surveillance of him. Morley discusses why Oswald was targeted, public skepticism about the Warren Report, and the implications of newly uncovered documents. He even touches on the potential involvement of anti-Castro operatives and the Mafia, making it a compelling inquiry into a historical mystery.
