American History Hit

Brian Klaas, a political scientist and author of 'Fluke', dives into the butterfly effect and how chance events have shaped American history. He discusses overlooked stories like the Timber Riot's role in the Revolutionary War and the unpredictable impacts of minor decisions during pivotal moments, including the Civil War. Klaas highlights the complexities of historical narratives often ignored by traditional accounts and explores the surprising connections between comedy and political outcomes, showcasing how randomness can significantly influence our lives.

Amity Shlaes, an author and chair of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, discusses the intriguing life of the 30th President, Calvin Coolidge. She highlights his rise to power after Harding's death and his pragmatic approach to leadership. The conversation touches on Coolidge's introverted nature, the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties, and the complexities of his legacy, including his views on race and job creation. Listeners will discover how Coolidge's policies still resonate in today's political climate.

Jeff Guinn, an investigative reporter and author, dives into the tragic Waco siege and its aftermath. He examines the complex dynamics of the Branch Davidians, revealing their apocalyptic beliefs and the rise of David Koresh. Guinn discusses the government's escalating confrontation, marked by erroneous decisions that led to catastrophic consequences. He also emphasizes the legacy of Waco, highlighting its role in shaping public perception of government authority and the societal divisions we see today.

Ronald Drabkin, author of 'Beverly Hills Spy,' delves into the enigmatic life of Frederick Rutland, a British spy whose intelligence work aided Japan during World War II. They discuss Rutland's Hollywood connections and the deception that allowed him to operate undetected. The conversation reveals missed warnings leading up to Pearl Harbor and the broader failures of intelligence services at the time. Drabkin also touches on the tragic legacy of espionage and how betrayal shaped history in the lead-up to the infamous attack.

Greg Eghgian, a Professor of History and Bioethics at Penn State University and author of 'After the Flying Saucers Came', dives deep into the fascinating world of UFOs. He discusses the origins of 'flying saucers' and how cultural perceptions have shifted towards 'unidentified aerial phenomena'. Eghgian explores the interplay between technological advancement and the increase in UFO sightings, examining historical contexts from the Cold War to modern-day. He also connects quantum physics theories to the mystery of extraterrestrial life, blending science with the unknown.

Join researcher Anna Scott from the University of Lincoln as she unpacks the gripping saga of the Mayflower's voyage. Discover the cramped living conditions and tensions aboard between the devout 'Saints' and the 'Strangers.' Scott explores the failures of the Speedwell, misadventures upon arrival, and the critical decisions leading to the creation of the Mayflower Compact. She also highlights the overlooked perspectives of indigenous peoples and the vital roles of women in the early settlement, painting a fuller picture of this pivotal chapter in American history.

Join Dr. Anna Scott, a heritage consultant and public historian at the University of Lincoln, as she delves into the Pilgrims' daring 1620 journey aboard the Mayflower. Discover the rich tapestry of motivations behind their departure—from fleeing religious persecution to seeking economic opportunities. Learn about their time in the Netherlands and the social dynamics shaping their quest for freedom. Scott highlights the immense courage of the early settlers and the significant influence of Native Americans as they navigated their new world.

Despite dying as one of the most popular presidents in history, the 29th Commander-in-Chief has been consistently ranked one of the worst of the American Presidents.What caused this fall from grace? From the Teapot Dome Scandal to the Veterans Bureau Scandal, to the several extramarital affairs that Harding had, much has muddied Harding's name. But what of women's, civil and worker's rights?Don is joined by Jason Roberts, Professor of History at Quincy College in Massachusetts. Jason is an expert in politics of the 1920s and is currently working on the foreign policies of Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, in particular their handling of Lenin’s Russia.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/All3 Media.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

Christopher McKnight Nichols, a historian and expert on U.S. foreign relations, dives deep into the Spanish-American War. He reveals how the conflict marked a turning point for American expansionism and its emergence as a world power. Nichols discusses the role of public sentiment and the press, the strategic brilliance of figures like Teddy Roosevelt, and the complex racial dynamics at play. He also explores the ramifications of American imperialism, particularly in the Philippines and Puerto Rico, highlighting the war's lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Barry Wirth sheds light on John 'Jack' Downey, America's longest-held POW, who spent 21 years in a Chinese prison. They delve into the CIA's covert operations during the Cold War, the complexities of espionage, and the psychological resilience Downey exhibited behind bars. Wirth also reveals the struggles families faced due to misinformation and contrasts Downey's fate with that of fellow operative Gary Powers, offering a gripping perspective on resilience, identity, and the human cost of secrets.