The two party division of the US political system is as evident as ever as we warm up to the 2024 elections. But where does this state of affairs come from?Don speaks to Michael Barone, political analyst, historian and journalist, to find out more about the history of the Democratic and Republican parties, their forebears, and the possible downfall of political parties.Michael is author of 'How America’s Political Parties Change (and How They Don’t)'. His new book is ‘Mental Maps of the Founders’.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORYHIT1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/You can take part in our listener survey here.

How would the Allied forces have forced the surrender of Japan had they not dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?Operation Downfall was the planned invasion of Japan. It was expected to be a massive two part operation; bigger than D-Day and enormously costly.To find out more about the proposed invasion, its projected outcomes and why it wasn't implemented, Don spoke to D. M. Giangreco, an award winning author who served as an editor at Military Review, US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, for 20 years. His book on this subject is 'Hell to Pay: Operation Downfall and the Invasion of Japan, 1945-1947'.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORYHIT1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/

The ninth President of the United States holds two unique records. William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in US Presidential history. He also served the shortest term, dying on his 32nd day as Commander-in-Chief.In this episode, Don speaks to Dr Robert Owens of Wichita State University. How did Harrison win the presidency? What were his goals? And did he really die of pneumonia?Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Sign up to History Hit at historyhit.com/subscribe using code 'BLACKFRIDAYPOD' at checkout, for $1/£1 per month for 4 months and you’ll get nearly £30 off our normal monthly price over your first 4 months.You can take part in our listener survey here.

Author Shannon Selin discusses Napoleon's impact on the United States, from the historical significance of his conquests to the Napoleonic Wars' influence on American politics. The podcast also explores Monroe's relationship with Napoleon and his brother Joseph, as well as Napoleon's time in St. Helena and Joseph's life in the United States. The potential ties between the Confederacy's secession and the global revolution are also explored.

An eyewitness shares his experience being behind the President's car during the JFK assassination. The podcast explores the aftermath, theories of multiple gunmen, and Lee Harvey Oswald's visit to Mexico City. It also discusses the FBI's involvement, the formation of the Warren Commission, the constraints of the Church Committee, JFK assassination conspiracy theories, and the lasting impact of the event.

Who was JFK? How popular was he in his lifetime? And how did his untimely death impact the world's memory of him?In this first of two episodes to mark 60 years since President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, we are exploring his personality and popularity.Don is joined by Fredrick Logevall, Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School. Fredrick's most recent book is 'JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century'.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Joseph Knight. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORYHIT1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/You can take part in our listener survey here.

Professor Glenn LaFantasie of Western Kentucky University discusses the background, significance, and reception of the Gettysburg Address. They explore Lincoln's purpose, debunk myths about the speech, and analyze its power and influence. They also touch on the layout of the famous photograph from the event and the records and copies of the address made after the speech. Plus, they discuss an upcoming book on Lincoln and Grant and a bourbon ad.

The 'Little Magician', the 'Sly Fox' or - to our expert guest - a 6.5/10 president. We're onto President number 8, Martin Van Buren.Don is joined by Edward Widmer - historian, writer, librarian, and musician who served as a speechwriter in the Clinton White House. One of Ted's many books is a biography of Martin Van Buren, published by Times Books in 2005.From success in the creation of a modern democratic party, to economic depression, war against Canada and more; in this episode you'll hear about the highs and lows of Van Buren's one term presidency.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribeYou can take part in our listener survey here.

What is a Viking? Did they really make it to the United States? And if so, how far did they get?Don speaks to Martyn Whittock about the norse landings in North America. From the Icelandic sagas to the archaeological evidence that supports them, listen as we separate the truth from the myths.Martyn's new book, American Vikings, is out now.Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORYHIT1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/You can take part in our listener survey here.

During the first half of the 20th century, dozens of murders plagued the oil-rich Osage Nation. The question of who killed them, and why, spread beyond the borders of the nation, eventually being picked up by the fledgling FBI.In this episode, Don speaks to David Grann, author of the silver-screen adapted 'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI'. Don and David explore the Osage Nation, why it fell victim to the greed of its neighbours, and how the truth was eventually discovered.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribeYou can take part in our listener survey here.