American History Hit

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.

Did the Confederates predict that secession would lead to war? How ready were they to fight? And what was their military strategy?Cecily Zander is back on the podcast for this third part of our series on the Confederacy. Listen to find out who was in charge, and whether there was ever a point when they might have won.Cecily is the author of the upcoming 'Abraham Lincoln and the American West', and 'The Army Under Fire: Antimilitarism in the Civil War Era'.Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. 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.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Nichols, a history professor at The Ohio State University specializing in Eisenhower, explores the complexities of Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency. They delve into the intertwining of the Cold War and the civil rights movement, examining Eisenhower's moral stance on nuclear warfare and segregation. The conversation highlights pivotal events like the Brown v. Board of Education ruling and his alarming farewell address about the military-industrial complex, revealing a leader grappling with both foreign and domestic challenges.

Aaron Sheehan-Dean, a Professor at Louisiana State University and expert on the Confederacy, dives into the complexities of life in the South during the Civil War. He discusses the stark contrasts between the agricultural South and industrial North, revealing how the war reshaped societal roles, particularly for women. The podcast also explores the struggles faced by civilians, including food shortages and the psychological toll of conflict, culminating in events like the Richmond bread riots that showcased women's resilience amidst chaos.

In a captivating discussion, Michael Taylor, author of *Impossible Monsters* and an upcoming book on the Illuminati, dives deep into the intriguing origins of this secret society. He unpacks how the Illuminati, founded in 18th century Bavaria, influenced major societal changes and had connections with Enlightenment ideals. Taylor also explores its relationship with Freemasonry and how both societies faced controversy and decline. The conversation highlights the evolution of Illuminati myths in American politics, from serious discourse to modern skepticism and conspiracy theories.

Only one person has ever held the title of President of the Confederate States of America. In this episode, we're going to find out more about him and the power structure of the Civil War rebel states.How did the confederate constitution differ from that of the United States of America? How was Davis selected? And what happened to him after the war ended?Don is joined by Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Professor at Louisiana State University and editor of a number of books on this subject.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.

The end of the Second World War. The start of the Cold War. The dropping of the Atomic Bomb and the growth of the Civil Rights movement. When FDR passed, the 33rd President of the United States was truly thrown into the deep end.In this episode of American History Hit, host Don Wildman discusses Truman's presidency with Mark Adams, Director of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.Produced by Freddy Chick. Edited by Sophie Gee. 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.

Willie Balderson, Director of Living History and Historic Trades at the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, shares expert insights into the decline of Jamestown. He delves into the reasons behind the colony's abandonment, discussing challenges like charter loss, fires, and rebellion. Balderson also highlights the significant conflicts with Native Americans and economic struggles that contributed to its downfall, and he examines the broader implications of these events on American colonial history.