History That Doesn't Suck

Joining the discussion are Lindsey Cormack, an associate professor of political science, and Steve Twomey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. They delve into the meticulous and suspenseful retelling of the events leading up to Pearl Harbor. Twomey shares insights from nine government inquiries that shaped their understanding. They explore Admiral Kimmel's leadership, the mistakes made due to trust and misinterpretations of Japanese intentions, and the crucial moments that changed the course of history on December 7, 1941.

The podcast explores the poignant holiday season of 1941, contrasting the stark realities in the Warsaw Ghetto with celebrations in Washington, D.C. Rabbi Shapira delivers a powerful sermon, drawing inspiration from the Maccabees amid desperate circumstances. Meanwhile, FDR lights the Christmas tree at the White House, offering messages of hope as the U.S. enters the war. The arrival of Churchill adds a unique twist, highlighting wartime camaraderie amidst the somber atmosphere. It's a vivid look at resilience in the face of adversity during the holidays.

Experience the chaos of December 7, 1941, as Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor unfolds. Sailors confront unimaginable horrors while battleships become graveyards. Learn about the decision-making that led to this pivotal moment in history, and hear gripping firsthand accounts of bravery in the heat of battle. Discover the immediate aftermath, including FDR's powerful address to Congress, prompting a united call to war. The day lives on in infamy, marking the shift in the Pacific theater.

“To be perfectly frank, the ways you and I look at the Chinese are fundamentally different. You seem to think of them as human, but I see them as pigs.” This is the origin story of the Empire of the Rising Sun.  After an uninvited visit from one Commodore Matthew Perry and his four black ships, Japan opens its doors to the wider world, ending seven centuries of isolation. Picking up the best and the worst from the West, a new ruling class implements changes in everything from government structure to the military, and embraces the power of both industrialization and imperialism. A modernized Japan quickly expands, conquering Korea, and taking on bigger neighbors like China, and even Russia. And after the Great War, when the military decides to go deeper into China … all that’s needed is an “incident” to justify that.  But as the empire grows and atrocities like the “Rape of Nanjing” shock the world, Japan’s alliances with European fascist powers cause the US to become wary of their former favored-nation-status trading partner. And when Uncle Sam halts the sale of industrially necessary supplies like oil, Japan’s leaders feel backed into a corner. What will a proud, military-led nation do when it is cornered? ____ Connect with us on ⁠HTDSpodcast.com⁠ and go deep into ⁠episode bibliographies⁠ and ⁠book recommendations⁠ join discussions in our ⁠Facebook community⁠ get news and discounts from ⁠The HTDS Gazette⁠  come ⁠see a live show⁠ get ⁠HTDS merch⁠ or become an ⁠HTDS premium⁠ member for bonus episodes and other perks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, known for his influential historical series, and his collaborator Sarah Botstein as they dive into their latest work on the American Revolution. Ken argues its significance as a pivotal moment in history. They discuss conflicts between loyalists and patriots, the use of animation and CGI to depict battles, and their meticulous research process. Shifting gears, they also reflect on World War II, emphasizing the importance of personal stories and the fragility of democracy during tumultuous times.

Dive into the captivating world of Eleanor Roosevelt's radio show, where she shared heartfelt insights during a pivotal time in American history. Discover how she crafted her broadcasts like intimate cafe conversations, inviting diverse perspectives on pressing issues. Learn about her powerful messages defending democracy and unity, warning against divisive leaders, and clarifying crucial wartime concepts. This unique glimpse into her life reveals the profound impact of her words on a nation facing uncertainty.

Acclaimed actor and director Orson Welles reflects on his iconic 1938 radio dramatization of The War of the Worlds, which famously sparked mass panic among listeners. The discussion dives into the show’s realistic format and the contemporary anxieties that made it so believable, with Welles recounting the story’s adaptation to a 1938 American setting. They explore real-life reactions, including harrowing escape stories, and the aftermath of the broadcast, revealing the powerful impact this radio play had on American culture and the legacy it left behind.

Join Lindsay Cormack, an expert in political science, and historian Lynn Olson as they explore the critical yet underappreciated Americans influencing wartime diplomacy from London. They delve into the transformative relationships forged between FDR and Churchill, highlighting figures like Edward R. Murrow, whose compelling broadcasts during the Blitz changed public perception. Olson emphasizes how these unsung heroes negotiated complex political landscapes, shaping U.S. interventionist policy while countering isolationism and skepticism on both sides of the Atlantic.

The podcast delves into the critical second year of WWII and America's evolving role in the conflict. As Britain struggles against Germany, the Lend-Lease bill becomes a heated topic, with figures like Charles Lindbergh and Wendell Willkie passionately debating its implications. The backdrop of labor strikes and the push for an 'arsenal of democracy' highlight domestic tensions. FDR's secret meetings with Churchill and the development of the Atlantic Charter further explore strategic wartime preparations while rising threats from Japan complicate the landscape.

Professor Greg Jackson shares a personal message about our politically divided times and announces more tour dates for his live show: The Unlikely Union.  This show is not recorded for the podcast. Go to HTDSpodcast.com/live-shows for more information and dates.  Prof. Jackson’s national tour has already been to half of the 50 states, so-called red and blue states, big cities and small towns.  What he’s encountered is everyday people, regardless of their political stripe coming together to share in the telling of the extraordinary history of the first century of our nation. That period from fiery revolution through bloody civil war is– not despite of, but because of its ugly and all but insurmountable challenges– a consoling reminder that we have been through far, far worse times and much greater division than is even imaginable today.  And it's a cautionary tale. Our great strength is our union and our great peril is our division.  The words of the Republican candidate from Illinois for the US Senate spoken in 1858 ring true today:  "A house divided against itself cannot stand." You're damn right, Abe. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices