American History Hit

During the Vietnam War, 170,000 men received conscientious objector deferments. In this episode, we speak to one of them.Sidney Morrison joins Don to discuss his service and experiences as a medic during the war, from camaraderie in the face of danger to the psychological impacts of war.Sidney is the author of 'Frederick Douglass: A Novel'.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Max Carrey. 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.

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride is a legend of the American Revolutionary War - galloping through the Massachusetts' dark to warn Sam Adams, John Hancock and the rest that the British were coming. The next morning, those Patriots in Lexington and Concord were ready for battle. But what really happened? Who was Paul Revere? Why has his name gone down in history?Don's guest is Michael Hattem, historian of the American revolution and author of The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History.Produced by Freddy Chick. 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.

How did a US Army mission in Vietnam end with the massacre of up to 500 people?In this episode, Don is joined by Christopher Levesque to examine one of the most harrowing chapters of the war in Vietnam. They return to March 1968, when the men of Charlie Company undertook a 'search and destroy' mission in the Quang Ngai province village of Son My.Chris holds a joint appointment at the University of West Florida Libraries and the UWF Historic Trust. He is an archivist and teaches at the University of Western Florida, Pensacola, and the University of Charleston.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.

Mark Atwood Lawrence, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of works on the Vietnam War, shares his insights on Lyndon B. Johnson's tumultuous presidency. They explore Johnson's remarkable legislative achievements, including the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Acts, juxtaposed with the disintegration of his public support due to the Vietnam War. Lawrence delves into Johnson's persuasive skills and evolving views on civil rights, while illuminating the complex legacy that shifted perceptions during and after his time in office.

Mark Atwood Lawrence, a Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the intricate dynamics of the Vietnam War. He discusses the escalation of U.S. involvement, particularly the pivotal Gulf of Tonkin incident. Lawrence also explores Eisenhower's cautious approach to military intervention and the profound impact of television on American perception of the conflict. The conversation highlights the transition from advisory roles to active combat, revealing how these decisions shaped future American foreign policy.

Join Chris Mackowski, a Civil War expert and professor, as he dives into the significance of the Battle of Fort Donelson. Discover how this clash shaped the Union's strategy and Ulysses S. Grant's rise to fame with his bold demand for unconditional surrender. Mackowski highlights the chaotic battlefield dynamics and critical blunders made by Confederate leadership, showcasing how personal connections influenced decisions amidst the turmoil. This riveting discussion reveals the turning point that altered the course of the Civil War.

In this insightful discussion, Patricia Sullivan, a history professor at the University of South Carolina and author of "Justice Rising: Robert Kennedy’s America in Black and White," explores Robert F. Kennedy’s ambitious 1968 presidential campaign and its tragic end. She discusses the politically charged climate of the era, influenced by the Vietnam War and civil rights, as well as RFK's evolving identity after his brother’s assassination. The conversation also delves into the enduring legacy of Kennedy's ideals, emphasizing hope amid chaos and the implications of his untimely death.

Naval historian Timothy Heck, an expert on amphibious warfare, dives deep into the Battle of Iwo Jima. He discusses the tactical significance of the island just before the end of World War II and reveals the intense combat that changed military strategies. Timothy shares personal soldier stories and highlights the crucial role of Navajo Code Talkers in securing communications. The iconic image of Marines raising the flag symbolizes both heroism and the brutal realities faced, illustrating the complex nature of warfare and its lasting impact.

Ty Seidule, a retired Brigadier General and Professor Emeritus of history at West Point, dives deep into the myth of the Lost Cause. He explores how this narrative emerged after the Civil War to justify the Confederacy and romanticize figures like Robert E. Lee. The discussion reveals the impact of Confederate monuments on modern society and their role in perpetuating racial injustices. Seidule reflects on his personal journey to reconcile heritage with historical truths, shedding light on the ongoing relevance of these myths in today's America.

The biggest counterfactual that hangs on the assassination of JFK is this: Would JFK have launched a ground war in the jungles of Vietnam? Don Wildman and his guest Fredrik Logevall explore what might have happened if JFK didn't die.Fredrik Logevall is a Pulitzer Prize winning historian at Harvard who is working on a definitive three-part biography of JFK. The first volume is out now, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956.Produced by Freddy Chick. 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.