History That Doesn't Suck

“Grant is my man and I am his the rest of the war.”This is the story of hard fighting—on the battlefield and in the courts.President Abraham Lincoln is making the controversial decision to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. While the Constitution does permit this to be done “in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion” that threaten “the public Safety,” is the executive branch the one to do it? Is it prudent?Meanwhile, battles rage across the nation. Stone’s River claims a higher percentage of combatants than any other battle has or will. Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to Vicksburg, which is the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Can he do it, effectively cutting the CSA in two? Finally, friendly fire is laying low one of the Confederacy’s most talented generals at Chancellorsville. The war will never be the same.____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

Explore the tumultuous chaos of the New York Draft Riots as working-class Irish immigrants rise against perceived injustices in conscription practices. Discover the underlying racial and economic tensions that fueled violence and destruction. Meanwhile, Southern women face starvation and turn to riots as a desperate act of survival. This gripping narrative highlights the deep societal fractures during the Civil War, revealing how desperation and class struggles ignited a powerful response in a time of turmoil.

"Keep the details! We love the stories!" After 11 episodes covering the first half of the Civil War, it’s time to digest a bit. Greg, Josh, and Cielle attend to the usual roundtable business (pronunciation corrections and talking cotton production in Arizona!), then talk through the “who’s who” of our massive cast of characters. Enjoy one last chat before we dive into the final harsh years of the war. ____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

“If the world had been searched by Burnside for a location in which his army could be best defeated ... he should have selected this very spot.”This is the story of leadership turnover in the Union and total war on the field. US President Abraham Lincoln has had his fill of George B. “Little Mac” McClellan. Little Mac is getting fired. He’s being replaced by the general with the best facial-hair game in the army: Ambrose Burnsides. But Ambrose doesn’t want command. He doesn’t think he’s the man for the job. Still, he’s going to try to be the aggressive general he knows the President wants. Ambrose plans to charge at the Confederate capital with his 120,000-strong Army of the Potomac. But he’ll have to deal with Robert E. Lee first. They’re coming to blow up the little Virginia town George Washington’s mother once called home: Fredericksburg.Meanwhile, Ulysses S. Grant is facing challenges out west in the Mississippi Valley. Can he out-navigate a politicking general and take the crucial river town of Vicksburg, Mississippi? We’ll find out.____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

President Lincoln contemplates issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, weighing political challenges. The impact of the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill on freed slaves is explored. Lincoln questions the legality of freeing slaves through military action, leading to dissatisfaction among abolitionist senators. The passing of the Confiscation Act and the divide within the Democratic Party are discussed. Ulysses' adherence to the law and Lincoln's plan to issue the Emancipation Proclamation are highlighted. The roles of Congress, Lincoln, and enslaved individuals in ending slavery are recognized.

“Our top spot goes to …”This is the story of stories (yeah, super “meta”). You know regular HTDS episodes always start with a cold open. You probably have a favorite. So do we.Today, Greg and Cielle count down their top seven favorite openings, from George Washington’s loss at Fort Necessity to our current point in the Civil War. It’s a peek into the minds behind HTDS, a bit of nostalgia for long-time listeners, and the perfect HTDS introduction for the newly initiated. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!____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

The podcast tells a moving tale of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War, focusing on the heartache of his son Charlie’s injury. It explores how personal tragedy shaped Longfellow’s iconic Christmas poem, intertwining themes of hope and despair. Listeners learn about the emotional and historical context behind his writing, reflecting the struggles of a father amid wartime chaos. The narrative captures the essence of loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of peace during one of America's darkest times.

Dive into the intense confrontations of the Second Bull Run, where Robert E. Lee and his Confederate forces aim to outmaneuver the Union's struggling generals. Explore the dramatic clash at Antietam Creek, igniting a pivotal moment in the Civil War. Discover high-stakes strategies, political ramifications, and the heavy toll of battle that reshaped history. Witness how this campaign not only tested military might but also set the stage for Lincoln's groundbreaking Emancipation Proclamation.

Experience the tension-filled days of the Civil War as Confederate General Robert E. Lee rises to action against Union General McClellan's cautious approach. Jeb Stuart's daring cavalry reconnaissance sets the stage for intense confrontations. Encounter the chaos of the Seven Days Battles, where camaraderie clashes with brutal hand-to-hand combat. Discover the inner turmoil of Union command as strategists grapple with leadership challenges and miscommunication in this pivotal moment of American history.

In 1862, a daring Union fleet faced a challenging mission to capture New Orleans, showcasing naval strategy and political intrigue. Tensions brewed among Union generals as they targeted Corinth, while Confederate leaders battled their own disputes. With the stakes high, ambitions clashed on the rivers and railroads of the Mississippi Valley. The gripping tales of resilience and strategy reveal a tumultuous period of the Civil War, where every decision could alter the course of history.