History That Doesn't Suck

Dive into the thrilling race to erect the tallest skyscraper in New York City during the late 1920s. Experience the intense rivalry between architects William Van Alen and Craig Severance, fueled by ambition and innovation. Marvel at the breathtaking designs of the Chrysler and Manhattan Company Buildings, while a dark horse—the Empire State Building—emerges to dominate the skyline. Discover the drama, secrecy, and technological feats that defined this iconic chapter of architectural history. It's a battle of egos and engineering that reshaped a city's horizon.

“Everybody says it can’t be done.” This is the story of San Francisco’s two great bridges.  The bustling cities of Oakland and San Francisco are separated by less than ten miles of water, but for early twentieth-century Bay Area residents, it may as well be thirty—that’s the distance traveling around the Bay. Meanwhile, the mile of water across the Golden Gate Strait makes communities directly north of San Francisco likewise inaccessible. Bridges across both stretches of water would change the game entirely, but between harsh winds, thick fog, strong currents, and over 300 feet deep water—to say nothing of earthquakes—crowded ferries seem to be the only even-if-imperfect answer.  Or so they did.  From deep-sea divers to catwalking “bridge monkeys,” from deeply-driven caissons to high rising towers, miles of cables, and deadly accidents–this is the tale of the unyielding dreamers and doers who pushed the bounds of engineering in the midst of the Great Depression to bridge the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Strait and Bay.   ____ 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. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com 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

Discover the exhilarating journey of transforming the Colorado River through the monumental construction of the Hoover Dam. Hear about the dreamers and engineers who defied the odds, and the dire working conditions faced by laborers during the Great Depression. The narrative dives into intense labor struggles and the heroic efforts to tame a wild river, revealing both triumphs and tragedies. Explore how this engineering marvel reshaped the American southwest and the lives of those who built it.

Retired U.S. Army Major General William Rapp, with 33 years of service and a PhD from Stanford, dives into the American Revolution's Boston Campaign. He discusses the colonies' initial hesitations about revolution, sparked by British policies. Key battles like Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill illustrate this turning point. Rapp sheds light on George Washington's strategic genius and the clever tactics that led to the British evacuation from Boston. His insights emphasize the critical role of leadership and unity in the face of adversity.

Join Lindsey Cormack, a Political Science expert and former Director of the Diplomacy Lab, and Neil Maher, a renowned historian and author focused on environmental and political themes. They discuss the New Deal's legacy, diving into the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and its significant impact on the environment and economy. The conversation also touches on how the CCC shaped American parks and citizen engagement, revealing untold stories of enrollees and their lasting influence on public service. It's a captivating journey through history's lessons!

The podcast dives into FDR's contentious battle with the Supreme Court during his second term. It explores his audacious court-packing plan, aimed at increasing the number of justices to align them with his vision for the New Deal. The backlash from Congress and the public highlights the intense political drama of the era. Key events, like the West Coast Hotel Company v. Parrish case, illustrate the shifting landscape of judicial interpretation. The discussion also touches on Eleanor Roosevelt’s activism amidst the Great Depression's social challenges.

“I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet.”This is the story of FDR’s first term after facing down the initial emergency. 100 days down, about 1,300 more to go—for this term at least. After the whirlwind of new bills and “alphabet agencies” (AAA, CCC, etc.), the nation is adjusting to and examining FDR’s New Deal. As they do, the NIRA is upsetting both ends of the spectrum: company owners don’t love the Blue Eagle and regulations while workers are frustrated that their employers aren’t eager to see unionization in accordance with section 7(a). Meanwhile, back at the farm, devastating dust storms like “Black Sunday” are hammering the Great Plains and forcing many to flee to other states. Some migrants end up in California, where unionized dock workers and police are duking it out in San Francisco's “Bloody Thursday.” The president tries to set an example as a “Good Neighbor” in the Caribbean even as people erect signs that read, “Okie, go back. We don’t want you.” More time and a “Second” New Deal that is more progressive and Keynesian raises more serious questions: Is this really the correct economic course for recovery? And are some of these presidential actions even Constitutional? But despite the detractors, the decisive 1936 election proves that FDR is here to stay. ____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. HTDS is part of Audacy media network.Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com 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

Discover the whirlwind of Franklin D. Roosevelt's first 100 days in office during the Great Depression. From a dramatic banking holiday to crucial legislation like the Emergency Banking Act, FDR navigates immense challenges with innovative strategies. The establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps showcases his commitment to recovery and environmental needs. Eleonore's compassionate outreach to veterans emphasizes the social fabric of the era. Dive into the power struggles and bold moves that shaped America's path back to stability.

Explore the remarkable journey of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from his privileged upbringing to his political ambitions. Discover how personal challenges, including polio and a troubled marriage, shaped his resilience. Witness his evolution into a promising leader through his impactful speeches and strategic campaigning. The podcast highlights his efforts during the Great Depression and the emergence of his 'New Deal' agenda, emphasizing a powerful message of courage and unity in the face of adversity.

Explore Herbert Hoover's initial responses to the Great Depression and his collaboration with industry leaders in a bid to stabilize the economy. The discussion reveals the devastating bank failures that shook public confidence and led to widespread panic. Hear how immigration policies intertwine with the narrative of resilience, and the emotional protest of the Bonus Army sheds light on the struggles of veterans. The rising discontent culminates in Hoovervilles, reflecting the deeper societal unrest that paved the way for Roosevelt's promise of hope.