

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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2023 • 45min
President William Henry Harrison: 32 Days in Office
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 2023 • 43min
Napoleon in America
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.

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 1min
JFK Assassination: A Witness Remembers
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.

Nov 16, 2023 • 47min
JFK: The Most Popular President?
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.
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6 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 32min
The Gettysburg Address
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.

Nov 9, 2023 • 39min
President Martin Van Buren
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 2023 • 40min
Vikings in America
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 23min
Killers of the Flower Moon: Native Americans & the FBI
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 2023 • 40min
New Orleans Voodoo
If you've ever watched a Voodoo scene in a horror movie, you might be forgiven for envisioning zombies, dolls and witchcraft when asked what it is. But in this episode of American History Hit, Don speaks to Elizabeth James to find out the truth about the New Orleans strand of this misunderstood religion and spiritual practice.Where does Voodoo come from? How has it been practised over the years? And who was Marie Laveau?Elizabeth James is a programme associate for Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan. She had the practises of Voodoo passed on to her by her grandmother in Louisiana.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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2023 • 39min
President Andrew Jackson
Professor of History, David Brown, joins the podcast to discuss the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The topics covered include Jackson's significance as a symbol of pioneer democracy, the creation of political parties and their influence on today's politics, Jackson's inauguration and his controversial policies on Native American removal, his opposition to the national bank, and the controversial legacy of his presidency.


